How Do You Give Advice Using Should: Expert Tips

How to Properly Use “Should” for Offering Advice, Suggestions, and Opinions

When it comes to giving advice, making suggestions, or expressing your opinions, using “should” is a common and effective choice. However, it’s important to note that “should” behaves differently from other verbs in this context. To clarify, let’s explore some examples: “You should go to bed; you look really tired.” It’s worth emphasizing that when using “should” for advice, it is followed by an infinitive verb, such as “to go” in this case. This distinction sets “should” apart from regular verbs and enhances its role in providing guidance and recommendations.

**When offering advice using “should” and “shouldn’t,” it’s important to convey guidance and indicate what actions are advisable or inadvisable. These modal verbs, “should” and “shouldn’t,” help us navigate the realm of recommendations and choices. For instance, if you notice someone appears fatigued, suggesting they take a break is a way to provide advice. In this case, you might say, “You should get some rest.” Conversely, when cautioning against reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding, “shouldn’t” comes into play, as in, “He shouldn’t drive so fast.” By employing these modal verbs, we offer counsel and steer individuals toward appropriate courses of action, thus promoting safety and well-being.

1. subject + should + main verb (in the present)
2. should + have + past participle (in the past)
3. “They should study more if they want to pass their exams.”
4. “They should have studied more if they wanted to pass their exams.”

• You should see the new James Bond movie. It’s great!
• You should try to lose weight.
• John should get a haircut.
• He shouldn’t smoke. …
• What should I wear?
• They should make that illegal.
• There should be a law against that.
• People should worry more about global warming.