Should and Shouldn’t — Explanation

Learn how to use should and shouldn’t for advice and opinions. Clear A2 grammar rules, real-life examples, and a free online test!

Should and Shouldn’t

When do we say "should"?

We use "should" to give advice, suggest something, or say what is a good idea.

Examples:

• You should eat more vegetables. (Advice)
• He should study for the test. (Suggestion)

Form:
Subject + should + base verb

• I should call my friend.

When do we say "shouldn’t"?

Shouldn't means that something is a bad idea or not a good idea.

Examples:

• You shouldn’t smoke. (Bad idea)
• She shouldn’t be late for class. (Not recommended)

Form:
Subject + shouldn’t + base verb

• They shouldn’t eat too much sugar.

Key Points

• Should and shouldn't are used to give advice, make suggestions, and give recommendations.
• You can't use them for things that happened in the past; for that, use "ought to have" or other past structures.
• The verb that comes after should or shouldn't is always in its base form, with no -s or -ing.

Quick Tips

• For good advice, use "should": You should drink more water.
• Use shouldn't when you want to give someone bad advice, like "You shouldn't spend all your money."