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.

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.

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.

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?

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)

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)

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.

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.”

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. 💰