Welcome! When my students work in cafes or guide tours in Siem Reap and Battambang, they often need to give recommendations or politely ask tourists what they want. Today, we are learning "should" for giving helpful advice and "would like" for expressing polite desires.
warning Common Mistake
After the word "should", always use the base verb. Never add "to". (Say: "You should visit," NOT "You should to visit"). However, when using "would like" with an action, you MUST use "to". (Say: "I would like to eat," NOT "I would like eat").
Interactive Vocabulary
Giving Advice
Should
Used to say that something is a good idea or the right thing to do.
Example: You should try the local food.
Negative Advice
Shouldn't
Short for "should not". Used to warn someone that an action is a bad idea.
Example: You shouldn't forget your sunscreen when visiting the temples.
Asking Advice
Should I...?
Used to ask someone for their recommendation or opinion.
Example: Should I tip the driver after the tour?
Polite Desire
Would like
A polite and formal way to say "I want". Often used in restaurants or hotels.
Example: I would like a glass of iced coffee, please.
Offering
Would you like...?
Used to politely offer something to someone.
Example: Would you like to see the dinner menu?
Polite Refusal
Wouldn't like
A polite way to say "I don't want" or to gently refuse something.
Example: I wouldn't like to walk to the market; it is too hot today.
Knowledge Check
restaurant The Cafe Server
A customer sits down at your cafe. How do you politely offer them a drink?
(Hint: You want to offer something politely, not give advice.)
map The Helpful Guide
A tourist asks you what to do in the morning. How do you advise them?
(Hint: Remember the rule about using "to" after "should".)
psychology Grammar Check
Fill in the blank: "He ______ to book a bus ticket."
(Hint: Which modal uses "to" before an action verb?)
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Study Resources
Lesson Summary & Review
Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to give advice and make polite requests.
Giving Advice with 'Should'
Use should when you want to tell someone what is a good idea or the right thing to do. Use shouldn't (should not) to warn them about a bad idea.
- Rule: Subject + should + base verb
- Example: You should visit the temple early in the morning.
Polite Desires with 'Would Like'
Saying "I want" can sometimes sound rude or demanding in English. It is much better to use would like, especially in professional settings like restaurants, hotels, or stores.
- Rule with objects: Subject + would like + noun (e.g., "I would like a coffee.")
- Rule with actions: Subject + would like + TO + base verb (e.g., "I would like to order.")
