ShouldA2
Should and shouldn't for advice and opinions. Should takes the base verb with every subject and needs no do in questions: You should go. Should I go?
No information at the current level. This view starts at A2: choose A2 or a higher level.
No information at the current level. This view starts at A2: choose A2 or a higher level.
CheatsheetA2
| Point | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Form | subject + should + base verb; one form for every subject | You should see a doctor. |
| Negative | shouldn't; no do | You shouldn't work so late. |
| Question | Should + subject + base verb; no do | Should I take the bus? / What should I do? |
| Advice | should for a good idea, shouldn't for a bad one | You should drink more water. / You shouldn't eat so much sugar. |
| Opinion | what you think is right or good | I think the government should build more parks. |
| Should or must | should: advice or a mild duty; must: a strong obligation or a rule | You should wear a coat. / You must wear a seat belt. |
| Trap | a negative opinion puts don't on think | I don't think you should go. |
OverviewA2
- should has one form for every subject: I should, she should.
- The verb after should is in the base form: You should rest.
- Questions and negatives need no do: Should I go? / You shouldn't go.
- The negative opinion puts don't on think: I don't think you should go.
Pronunciation: should and shouldn'tA2
| Form | Sound | Example |
|---|---|---|
| should (weak, in a sentence) | /ʃəd/ | You should rest. /juː ʃəd ˈrest/ |
| should (strong, at the end) | /ʃʊd/ | Yes, you should. /jes juː ˈʃʊd/ |
| shouldn't | /ˈʃʊdnt/ | You shouldn't go. /juː ˈʃʊdnt ɡəʊ/ |
- The l in should and shouldn't is silent: should is /ʃʊd/ when strong.
UseA2
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Advice: a good idea | You should drink more water. |
| Advice against: a bad idea | You shouldn't eat so much sugar. |
| Asking for advice | What should I do? |
| Giving an opinion | I think the government should build more parks. |
| A mild duty | We should leave now. It's late. |
- should gives advice and opinions; the listener decides whether to follow them.
Compare: should and mustA2
| Point | should | must |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | advice, a good idea | strong obligation, a rule |
| Example | You should wear a coat. | You must wear a seat belt. |
- See Must and Have To.
Typical errorsA2
| ✗ | ✓ | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| She shoulds go. | She should go. | should has no -s |
| You should to see a doctor. | You should see a doctor. | should + base verb; no to |
| Do I should go? | Should I go? | questions with should need no do |
| I think you don't should go. | I don't think you should go. | negative opinion: I don't think + should |
| Should he goes? | Should he go? | should + base verb |