✨ Lesson 5: Modal "should/shouldn't" for Simple Advice
Today we will learn a very useful modal verb for giving advice1 and making recommendations2: should.
When you say someone "should" do something, you are saying "I think this is a good idea for you." When you say they "shouldn't", you mean "I think this is a bad idea for you."
The Structure of 'should'
Like all modal verbs, 'should' has a very simple structure. It is the same for all subjects and is always followed by the base form of the verb.
Subject + should / shouldn't + [Base Verb]...
Giving Good Advice (should):
- It's hot today. You should drink a lot of water.
- The Angkor National Museum is very interesting. You should visit it.
- He wants to pass the exam, so he should study hard.
Giving a Warning or Bad Advice (shouldn't):
- You shouldn't touch the ancient carvings at the temples.
- It's late. The children shouldn't be outside.
- She has to wake up early, so she shouldn't go to bed late.
Asking for Advice
To ask for advice, you can use the question form "Should I...?".
Tourist: It's my first time in Siem Reap. What should I see first?
Guide: You should definitely see Angkor Wat at sunrise. You shouldn't miss it!
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose 'should' or 'shouldn't'
Choose the correct modal verb to complete the sentences.
- You look very tired. You ______ work so hard.
→ shouldn't - This restaurant is excellent. You ______ try the fish amok.
→ should - It's a long journey. We ______ leave early to avoid traffic.
→ should - He wants to be healthy, so he ______ eat so much junk food.
→ shouldn't
📝 Homework: Give Advice
Your friend is visiting you in your town. Give them three pieces of advice using 'should' and 'shouldn't'.
Example: You should visit the Old Market. You should try the street food. You shouldn't forget to drink bottled water.
1: ___________________________________
2: ___________________________________
3: ___________________________________