Modal: Should/shouldn’t (Advice/Recommendations)

Modal verbs are special auxiliary verbs that express possibility, necessity, permission, or advice. They don’t change form according to the subject and are followed by the base form of the verb. In this lesson, we will focus on the modal verb “should”, which is used to give advice, make recommendations, and express expectations.

“Should” is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when offering suggestions or giving guidance on what is appropriate or advisable in a given situation.

1. Using “Should” for Advice and Recommendations

“Should” is used to suggest what is advisable, appropriate, or beneficial in a given situation. It is a gentle way to offer recommendations or advice.

Examples of Advice and Recommendations

1. You should see a doctor if you feel sick. 💊
2. He should apologize for his mistake. 🙏
3. She should study more to improve her grades. 📚
4. They should arrive early to get good seats. ⏰
5. You should try the new restaurant downtown. 🍽️
6. He should exercise regularly for better health. 🏃‍♂️
7. She should drink more water during the day. 💧
8. We should take a break and relax. 🌴
9. You should read that book; it’s very informative. 📖
10. They should plan their vacation in advance. ✈️
11. He should check his work for errors. 📝
12. She should invest in her education. 🎓
13. You should get plenty of sleep every night. 😴
14. We should support local businesses. 🛍️
15. He should consider a healthier diet. 🍎

2. Forming Sentences with “Should”

The basic structure for forming sentences with “should” is:

Subject + should + base verb

Examples

1. She should study harder. 📚
2. We should leave early to avoid traffic. 🚗
3. You should call your parents more often. 📞
4. He should exercise every day. 🏋️
5. I should read more books. 📖
6. They should try a new hobby. 🎨
7. We should work together on this project. 🤝
8. You should dress warmly in winter. 🧥
9. He should save money for the future. 💰
10. She should learn to cook. 🍳
11. I should visit the museum this weekend. 🖼️
12. They should join the club for more fun. 🎉
13. We should support environmental causes. 🌳
14. You should try meditation for relaxation. 🧘
15. He should review his notes before the exam. 📝

3. Using “Shouldn’t” for Advising Against Actions

The negative form “shouldn’t” (short for “should not”) is used to advise against or warn someone about doing something that is not recommended.

Examples

1. You shouldn’t eat too much junk food. 🍔
2. He shouldn’t stay up so late. 🌙
3. She shouldn’t skip breakfast. 🥞
4. They shouldn’t drive when tired. 🚗
5. We shouldn’t waste water. 💧
6. You shouldn’t ignore your health. 🏥
7. He shouldn’t speak rudely to others. 🗣️
8. She shouldn’t procrastinate on her assignments. 📚
9. They shouldn’t spend too much money. 💲
10. We shouldn’t be late for meetings. ⏰
11. You shouldn’t take unnecessary risks. ⚠️
12. He shouldn’t neglect his studies. 📖
13. She shouldn’t work without breaks. 🛑
14. They shouldn’t argue over small matters. 🤐
15. We shouldn’t ignore environmental issues. 🌍

4. Asking Questions with “Should”

“Should” is also used to ask for advice or suggestions. The structure is:

Should + subject + base verb?

Examples

1. Should I call the doctor? 📞
2. Should we leave now? 🚶
3. Should he apologize for his behavior? 🙏
4. Should she try a new hobby? 🎨
5. Should I buy a new phone? 📱
6. Should we book the tickets now? 🎟️
7. Should they start the meeting? 📅
8. Should I bring an umbrella? ☔
9. Should he take a break? 🛋️
10. Should we order dinner? 🍽️
11. Should I invite more people? 👥
12. Should you try this new restaurant? 🍴
13. Should we discuss the issue further? 💬
14. Should I review my notes again? 📚
15. Should they arrive early to avoid traffic? 🚗

5. Distinguishing “Should” from Similar Modals

A. “Should” vs. “Must”

“Should” gives advice or makes recommendations, whereas “must” expresses a strong obligation or requirement. Here are examples to illustrate the difference:

1. You should rest if you’re tired. (Advice) 😌
2. You must wear a helmet when riding a bike. (Requirement) 🚴‍♂️
3. She should eat more vegetables for better health. (Recommendation) 🥗
4. He must submit his assignment by Friday. (Obligation) 📝
5. We should try that new restaurant. (Suggestion) 🍴
6. They must follow the safety rules at work. (Obligation) ⚠️
7. I should call my parents more often. (Advice) 📞
8. You must not use your phone during the exam. (Prohibition) 🚫
9. She should consider taking a vacation. (Recommendation) 🌴
10. He must attend the meeting as it’s mandatory. (Requirement) 🏢
11. We should save money for emergencies. (Advice) 💰
12. You must finish your work before leaving. (Obligation) ⏰
13. They should start studying for the test. (Recommendation) 📚
14. She must wear a uniform at school. (Requirement) 👩‍🎓
15. I should try to exercise regularly. (Advice) 🏃‍♀️

B. “Should” vs. “Ought to”

“Ought to” is often used interchangeably with “should” for advice or recommendations, though it is slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.

1. You ought to get more sleep. (Advice) 😴
2. You should get more sleep. (Advice) 😴
3. He ought to apologize for his mistake. (Recommendation) 🙏
4. He should apologize for his mistake. (Recommendation) 🙏
5. They ought to arrive early. (Advice) ⏰
6. They should arrive early. (Advice) ⏰
7. I ought to study harder for the exam. (Advice) 📖
8. I should study harder for the exam. (Advice) 📖
9. We ought to save more money. (Advice) 💵
10. We should save more money. (Advice) 💵
11. She ought to consider a different approach. (Recommendation) 💡
12. She should consider a different approach. (Recommendation) 💡
13. They ought to join the discussion. (Suggestion) 🗣️
14. They should join the discussion. (Suggestion) 🗣️
15. You ought to try this new method. (Advice) 🔄

6. Using “Should” for Expectations

Besides advice, “should” can be used to express what is likely or expected to happen.

Examples of Expected Outcomes

1. The train should arrive by 6 PM. 🚆
2. She should be home soon. 🏠
3. It should start raining any minute now. 🌧️
4. The package should be delivered tomorrow. 📦
5. He should finish his work by the deadline. ⏰
6. The movie should be over by midnight. 🎬
7. They should receive a response by next week. 📧
8. I should hear back from them soon. 📞
9. Our team should win the game. 🏆
10. The store should open at 9 AM. 🛍️
11. The weather should improve later today. ☀️
12. He should recover quickly from his illness. 💊
13. She should pass the exam with flying colors. 📚
14. We should see a decrease in prices soon. 📉
15. They should finish the project by next month. 📊

7. Common Mistakes and Clarifications

Here are some frequent mistakes and clarifications when using “should”:

1. Incorrect: “You should to exercise more.”
→ Correct: “You should exercise more.” ✅
2. Incorrect: “He should has apologized.”
→ Correct: “He should have apologized.” ✅
3. Incorrect: “She should goes home early.”
→ Correct: “She should go home early.” ✅
4. Incorrect: “They should can do it.”
→ Correct: “They should be able to do it.” ✅
5. Incorrect: “You should of called me.”
→ Correct: “You should have called me.” ✅
6. Incorrect: “We should to try that restaurant.”
→ Correct: “We should try that restaurant.” ✅
7. Incorrect: “I should went there.”
→ Correct: “I should go there.” ✅
8. Incorrect: “She should listens carefully.”
→ Correct: “She should listen carefully.” ✅
9. Incorrect: “He should works harder.”
→ Correct: “He should work harder.” ✅
10. Incorrect: “They should has seen it.”
→ Correct: “They should have seen it.” ✅
11. Incorrect: “You should to be careful.”
→ Correct: “You should be careful.” ✅
12. Incorrect: “I should got a new phone.”
→ Correct: “I should get a new phone.” ✅
13. Incorrect: “She should finished her work.”
→ Correct: “She should finish her work.” ✅
14. Incorrect: “We should has left earlier.”
→ Correct: “We should have left earlier.” ✅
15. Incorrect: “They should goes to bed now.”
→ Correct: “They should go to bed now.” ✅

8. Using “Should Have” for Past Advice or Regrets

The structure “should have” + past participle is used to talk about past situations where different actions would have been better. It often expresses regret or criticism.

Examples

1. You should have called me yesterday. 📞
2. He should have apologized for his mistake. 🙏
3. She should have studied harder for the exam. 📖
4. We should have left earlier to avoid traffic. 🚗
5. They should have prepared for the meeting. 💼
6. I should have listened to your advice. 💡
7. You should have taken your medicine. 💊
8. He should have worked more diligently. 🏆
9. She should have asked for help. 🤝
10. We should have saved more money. 💰
11. They should have arrived on time. ⏰
12. I should have booked the tickets earlier. 🎟️
13. You should have seen that movie. 🎬
14. He should have taken a break. 🛋️
15. She should have visited her family more often. 🏠