Should / Shouldn't

Learn how to give advice and talk about good or bad ideas.

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Topic

What do they mean?

Use should when something is a good idea or helpful advice. Use shouldn't when something is a bad idea, unsafe, or unkind. Both forms use the base verb.

You should drink water.
He should study.
We shouldn't shout.
Should I help?
Big idea

Ask: good idea or bad idea?

Good ideaYou should sleep early.Helpful advice.
Bad ideaYou shouldn't touch fire.Warning or advice.
Ask adviceShould I call her?What is the best thing to do?
Should

Use should for advice.

You should revise.It is a good idea before a test.Advice.
Ali should apologise.It is the right thing to do.Recommendation.
They should listen carefully.It will help them learn.Helpful suggestion.
Shouldn't

Use shouldn't for advice not to do something.

You shouldn't run on wet floors.It is unsafe.Warning.
Lina shouldn't skip breakfast.It is not healthy.Advice.
We shouldn't be late.It is not polite.Bad idea.
Questions

Clue words can help.

Should I...?Should I wear a coat?Asking for advice.
What should...?What should we do?Asking for the best action.
Shouldn't we...?Shouldn't we help?Suggesting something expected.
Form reminder

Use the base verb after should.

AffirmativeI should go.
She should study.No -s after should.
NegativeI shouldn't go.
He shouldn't shout.Shouldn't + base verb.
QuestionShould I go?
Should they wait?Should + subject + base verb?
Form reminder

Should is advice, not a strict rule.

You should eat vegetables.Good advice.Helpful, not a law.
You must wear a seat belt.A rule or law.Stronger than should.
You have to be on time.A duty or requirement.Also stronger than should.
Compare

Should works with all subjects.

I should practise.Good idea for me.I + should.
Rami should rest.Good idea for Rami.Name + should.
They should share.Good idea for them.They + should.
Common mistake

Do not add -s, to, or do after should.

CorrectShe should come.
He shouldn't play.Base verb.
Not correctShe should comes.
He should to play.No -s. No to.
Not correctDo you should rest?Say: Should you rest?
Sentence completion 1

Choose the correct form.

You look thirsty. You ___ some water.

Sentence completion 2

Choose the correct form.

The floor is wet. You ___ here.

Sentence completion 3

Choose the advice question.

___ I tell the teacher?

MCQ 1

Which sentence is correct?

Choose the best sentence.

MCQ 2

Which sentence gives advice?

Choose the best sentence.

Paragraph completion 1

Fill five blanks.

Choose the correct form. Think about advice, warnings, and the base verb.

Nora is tired. She early.
The cake is for tomorrow. We it now.
Omar is confused. He for help.
The bus leaves at eight. We late.
Friends kindly.
Test 1

Mixed question types of 5

Answer all five. Then tap Finish test to see your result sheet.

1. Sentence completion

It is cold. You ___ a jacket.

2. MCQ

Which sentence gives advice not to do something?

3. Type the answer

You ___ say sorry.

4. Type the answer

We ___ waste water.

5. MCQ

Which advice question is correct?

Cumulative result sheet

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