What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to give advice, make suggestions, and say what you think is right or wrong, using should and shouldn't.
When do I use it?
Use should to give advice or say what is a good idea: "You should drink more water." Use shouldn't for what is a bad idea: "You shouldn't eat so much sugar." It also gives your opinion: "I think you should apply for that job." Should is softer than "must" — it recommends, it does not force.
How do I form it?
Subject + should/shouldn't + base verb
- You should sleep more.
- She should talk to her boss.
- We shouldn't be late.
- Should I call him? (question)
Should never changes, even with he, she, or it: "He should study", not "He shoulds study" and not "He shoulds". The verb after should stays in base form.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
In Spanish "debería" is the past of "deber", but "should" has no form change for people: "Él debería estudiar" is "He should study", never "He shoulds study". Also avoid adding "to" after should, and do not use "should" like a full verb in "do/does" questions — say "Should I go?", not "Do I should go?". Replace "habría que / tendrías que" with should too.
After should, the verb is always base form and never takes "s" or "to". The person never changes the modal.
Practice
Multiple Choice
A1Which sentence is correct advice?
Fill in the Blank
A1He has a test tomorrow, so he stay up late.
Hint: Negative advice = 'shouldn't' + base verb.
Find the Error
A1Sentence Transformation
A1Task: Rewrite using should to give your opinion
Hint: Use 'should' + base verb to express the advice.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A1