Giving Suggestions and Advice
Modal verbs and phrases such as should, ought to, why don’t you, and how about help us offer suggestions and advice. This guide breaks down the usage with clear sentence structures and plenty of examples with emojis.
1. Using “Should” for Suggestions and Advice
“Should” is widely used to offer recommendations or advice. It suggests what is best or right in a situation.
Sentence Structure
Subject + should + base verb
Example: You should try the new restaurant. 🍽️
Examples
- You should get more sleep. 😴
- He should visit the museum. 🖼️
- We should save money for a rainy day. 💰
- She should exercise regularly. 🏋️♀️
- They should read more books. 📚
- I should try that new recipe. 🍳
- You should consider a vacation. 🌴
- He should ask for help when needed. 🤝
- We should leave earlier to avoid traffic. 🚗
- She should call her friend today. 📞
2. Using “Ought to” for Suggestions and Advice
“Ought to” works similarly to “should” but is often considered slightly more formal. It expresses a recommendation or duty.
Sentence Structure
Subject + ought to + base verb
Example: You ought to check your email. 📧
Examples
- I ought to apologize for my mistake. 🙏
- You ought to try the new cafe downtown. ☕
- He ought to be more careful with his work. 🛠️
- We ought to visit our grandparents this weekend. 👵👴
- She ought to save a portion of her salary. 💵
- They ought to follow the safety guidelines. ⚠️
- I ought to finish reading that book. 📖
- You ought to take a break. ☕
- He ought to study more for his exam. 📝
- We ought to support local businesses. 🏪
3. Using “Why Don’t You” for Advice
“Why don’t you” is a friendly way to offer advice or suggestions, often inviting the other person to consider a particular action.
Sentence Structure
Why don’t you + base verb
Example: Why don’t you take a break? ⏸️
Examples
- Why don’t you try that new café? ☕
- Why don’t you call your parents? 📞
- Why don’t you join us for a walk? 🚶♂️
- Why don’t you watch a movie tonight? 🎬
- Why don’t you read a book this weekend? 📚
- Why don’t you take a short vacation? 🌴
- Why don’t you learn a new language? 🗣️
- Why don’t you try meditation? 🧘♀️
- Why don’t you update your resume? 📝
- Why don’t you explore a new hobby? 🎨
4. Using “How About” for Suggestions
“How about” is a casual way to offer suggestions or ask for opinions, especially when proposing an activity.
Sentence Structure
How about + (noun/gerund) ?
Example: How about a movie tonight? 🎥
Examples
- How about a cup of coffee? ☕
- How about going for a bike ride? 🚴♂️
- How about trying that new restaurant? 🍽️
- How about a picnic in the park? 🧺
- How about taking a day off? 🏖️
- How about playing some board games? 🎲
- How about joining a fitness class? 🏋️♀️
- How about watching a comedy? 😂
- How about reading a novel this weekend? 📖
- How about exploring the city? 🌆
5. Using “Maybe You Should” for Gentle Suggestions
“Maybe you should” is used to offer gentle advice or recommendations without sounding too forceful.
Sentence Structure
Maybe you should + base verb
Example: Maybe you should get some rest. 😌
Examples
- Maybe you should try the new workout routine. 🏋️♂️
- Maybe you should consider a career change. 💼
- Maybe you should talk to a counselor. 🗣️
- Maybe you should organize your workspace. 🖥️
- Maybe you should call your friend today. 📞
- Maybe you should take a short break. ⏸️
- Maybe you should review your notes before the exam. 📚
- Maybe you should plan a weekend getaway. 🌴
- Maybe you should update your portfolio. 🎨
- Maybe you should try meditation to reduce stress. 🧘♂️
6. Reflecting on Past Situations with “Should Have”
“Should have” is used to express regret or to reflect on actions that would have been better in the past.
Sentence Structure
Subject + should have + past participle
Example: You should have called me earlier. 📞
Examples
- I should have studied harder for the test. 📚
- You should have taken an umbrella. ☔
- He should have apologized for his mistake. 🙏
- We should have left earlier to avoid traffic. 🚗
- They should have saved more money. 💰
- She should have listened to her parents. 👂
- I should have gone to the doctor sooner. 🩺
- You should have been more careful. ⚠️
- He should have finished the work on time. ⏰
- We should have booked the tickets in advance. 🎟️
