Should for advice
Give and ask for advice with should, shouldn’t and ought to — and useful phrases like Why don’t you…?
In this lesson you will
- Give advice with should / shouldn’t
- Ask for advice
- Use other advice phrases
Learn
should / shouldn’t + base verb = advice or opinion: You should see a doctor. You shouldn’t work so hard.
Ask for advice: What should I do? Should I take the job? Soften with I think / I don’t think: I don’t think you should go (more natural than I think you shouldn’t).
ought to = should (a bit more formal): You ought to apologise.
Other advice phrases: Why don’t you…? If I were you, I’d… It’s a good idea to…
Examples
- You look tired. You should go to bed early.
- Should I bring anything to the party?
- I don’t think you should drive — it’s snowing.
- If I were you, I’d talk to your manager.
Vocabulary
advice
an opinion about what someone should do
suggest
put forward an idea
If I were you
phrase to give advice
apologise
say sorry
recommend
say something is good to do
Practice
You have a cold. You ___ stay in bed.
Speaking
A friend wants to improve their English quickly. Give them six pieces of advice using should, shouldn’t, why don’t you and if I were you.
Writing
Reply to a message: “I’m moving to your city next month for work. Any advice?” (60–80 words).
Lesson quiz
You ___ drive when you’re tired.
Review
Key points
- should / shouldn’t + base verb.
- What should I…? Should I…?
- I don’t think you should…
- Why don’t you…? If I were you, I’d…
What you learned
- ✓ I can give advice.
- ✓ I can ask for advice.
- ✓ I can use several advice phrases.
Grammar reference: Must, have to, should: obligation and advice