Grammar: Modal for Advice
A2 Lesson 18: Using 'Should' & 'Shouldn't'
Giving Good and Bad Advice
We use the modal verb should to give advice. It's a way of saying "I think this is a good idea for you." The negative form, shouldn't, means "I think this is a bad idea for you."
👍 Good Advice (Should)
Use should to make a helpful suggestion or recommendation.
Example: The Angkor National Museum is interesting. You should visit it.
👎 Warnings / Bad Ideas (Shouldn't)
Use shouldn't to warn someone not to do something.
Example: You shouldn't touch the ancient carvings at the temples.
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Use 'Should'
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Subject + should + Verb | He should study hard. |
| Negative (-) | Subject + shouldn't + Verb | They shouldn't go to bed late. |
| Question (?) | Should + Subject + Verb? | Should I see Angkor Wat first? |
Asking for Advice
Let's see how 'should' is used in a conversation with a tourist.
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 Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose 'should' or 'shouldn't'
Choose the correct word 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
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Advise a Visitor
Imagine your friend is visiting your town for the first time. Write three sentences of advice for them. Use 'should' twice and 'shouldn't' once.
Key Vocabulary
- Advice An opinion you give someone about what they should do.
- Recommendation A suggestion that something is good or suitable for a particular purpose.