Lesson 33 · Stage 3: Plans, requests & comparing
Advice with “should”
BeginnerForm & use
should + verb — saying what is a good idea
1.Form
should + base form (no to). Should is a modal verb: it is the same for every subject, never takes -s, and doesn't use do / does in questions and negatives.
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Affirmative | I / you / she / we / they should rest. |
| Negative | shouldn't (= should not) worry |
| Question | Should I call her? · What should I do? |
| Short answer | Yes, you should. / No, you shouldn't. |
should works like can and will: it goes straight before the verb. Just remember: no to after it (not should to go) and no do (not don't should, not Do I should…?).
2.When to use it
1. Giving advice — saying something is a good idea
You've got a fever. You should see a doctor.
It's cold outside. You should wear a jacket.
2. Saying something is a bad idea
You shouldn't drink coffee so late at night.
Tourists shouldn't drink the tap water here.
3. Asking for advice — Should I…?, What / Which / Where should I…?
Should I bring a gift to the party?
Which bus should I take to get to the airport?
What do you think I should do?
not: What do you think should I do?
4. Making advice softer with I think / I don't think
I think we should leave now.
I don't think you should lend him any more money.
more natural than: I think you shouldn't…
5. Saying what you expect to happen or to be true
Minh left an hour ago, so he should be home by now.
The parcel should arrive on Friday.
3.Ought to
ought to + base form means almost the same as should, but it is less common and sounds a little more formal. It is used mostly in affirmative sentences; in questions and negatives people nearly always use should / shouldn't.
You ought to back up your photos.
We ought to leave now, or we'll miss the bus.
4.Should, must or have to?
These three differ in how strong they are:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| should | advice or opinion — the listener can choose not to | You should try the street food here. |
| must | the speaker feels it is necessary or very important; also written rules | I must remember to call my mum. |
| have to | necessary because of a rule or the situation | We have to show our tickets at the gate. |
For stronger advice with a warning, use had better — see the lesson “would rather / had better”. For necessity, see “Obligation: must / have to / need to”.
Many languages use one word for both “should” and “must”. If it's only advice, English uses should (You should go to bed early). Must / have to can sound like an order — unless you mean it enthusiastically (You must try this cake!).
5.Other forms with should
- should be + -ing — what someone ought to be doing right now: Why are you watching TV? You should be studying!
- should be + past participle (passive): Raw meat should be kept in the fridge.
- should have + past participle — it was a good idea, but it didn't happen: I failed the test. I should have studied harder. See the lesson “Modal perfect”.
6.Common mistakes
You should to see a doctor.You should see a doctor.
No to after should.
You don't should drink coffee at night.You shouldn't drink coffee at night.
The negative is shouldn't, not don't.
Do I should wear a suit?Should I wear a suit?
Questions: put should before the subject.
My sister shoulds study abroad.My sister should study abroad.
should never takes -s.
What do you think should I wear?What do you think I should wear?
After do you think, use statement word order.
We ought go home now.We ought to go home now.
ought always needs to.
Examples
- You look tired. You should go to bed early tonight.
- It's cold outside. You should wear a jacket.
- Your eyes are red. You shouldn't look at your phone so much.
- The tap water here isn't safe. Tourists shouldn't drink it.
