FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Use should and shouldn't to give advice, recommend actions and say what is or is not a good idea.
Overview
Use should and shouldn't to give advice, recommend actions and say what is or is not a good idea.
Form and rules
Use should + base verb for advice: You should rest.
Use shouldn't + base verb for negative advice: You shouldn't drive when tired.
Should is weaker than must; it usually recommends rather than orders.
Use Should + subject + base verb for questions asking for advice.
Do not add to or -s after should: she should go, not should to go or should goes.
A closer look
Use Should + subject + base verb for questions asking for advice.
Do not add to or -s after should: she should go, not should to go or should goes.
Examples
You should drink more water.
He shouldn't stay up so late.
Should I call her now?
We should leave early to avoid traffic.
You shouldn't worry so much.
Common mistakes
Should + base verb gives advice.
Negative advice uses shouldn't + base verb.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.