A2 Elementary Modal verbs
Advice: should
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can give advice with should and shouldn't, and ask for advice.
When to use it
- Advising to do: You should see a doctor.
- Advising not to: You shouldn't eat so late.
- Asking for advice: Should I call her?
- Stating what is right: People should recycle more.
Form
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | S + should + base verb | You should rest. |
| Negative | S + shouldn't + verb | You shouldn't worry. |
| Question | Should + S + verb? | Should I go? |
| Used for | the same for every subject | he should · they should |
Step by step
- Decide whether you advise to do or not to do.
- Write should or shouldn't — no -s, no to.
- Write the base verb.
- To ask for advice, put Should at the front.
How strong is should
| Word | Strength | Example |
|---|---|---|
| must / have to | obligation | You must wear a helmet. |
| should | should, advice | You should wear a coat. |
| could | a gentle suggestion | You could ask your teacher. |
Examples
You look tired. You should go to bed early.
You shouldn't drink coffee at night.
Should I bring an umbrella?
Students should ask questions in class.
He shouldn't spend so much time on games.
We should leave now if we want to be on time.
Common mistakes
You should to see a doctor. → You should see a doctor.
Never put to after should — the same as can, will, must.
She shoulds study harder. → She should study harder.
should is a modal and never takes -s.
You don't should worry. → You shouldn't worry.
Do not use don't with should; the negative is shouldn't.
Memory tip
can, will, must, should are one family — no -s, no to, add n't for the negative, invert for questions. One rule covers all four.
Summary
- should + base verb to give advice.
- Negative shouldn't; questions start with Should.
- Weaker than must: should means ought to, must means have to.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.