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.”
