Lesson

Should

Giving advice

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What is 'Should'?

'Should' is a modal verb used to give advice, make recommendations, express expectations, or show mild obligation. It is followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive without 'to').

  • Use 'should' to give advice or suggestions.
  • Use 'should' to express expectations or probability.
  • Use 'should have + past participle' to talk about past expectations or regrets.

Table

'Should' Uses and Examples

Use Meaning Example
Advice / Recommendation Suggesting a good action You should review the contract before you sign.
Expectation / Probability Something likely to be true The meeting should finish by 3 PM.
Mild obligation A recommended duty, less strong than 'must' Employees should complete the training module.
Past expectation / Regret Expectation about a past event or criticism You should have informed the client about the delay.
Question form Asking for advice Should we reschedule the presentation?

Tip

Key rule: Form and position

'Should' is a modal; it has no -s in the third person and is followed by the base verb.

  • Affirmative: subject + should + base verb → She should attend the meeting.
  • Negative: subject + should not (shouldn't) + base verb → He shouldn't ignore the email.
  • Question: Should + subject + base verb? → Should we sign the contract?

For past expectations or regrets, use 'should have + past participle'.

Example

Examples in context

You should review the contract before you sign.

Should we reschedule the meeting?

He shouldn't send the report late.

You should have informed the team about the delay.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors with modal verbs. Watch for these universal issues:

  • Adding 'to' after 'should' (wrong: should to do → correct: should do).
  • Using the -s form after 'should' (wrong: he shoulds → correct: he should).
  • Confusing 'should' with stronger modals like 'must' when obligation is firm.
  • Omitting 'have' in past criticisms (wrong: you should told → correct: you should have told).
  • Using double modals (wrong: should can → correct: should or can depending on meaning).

Check the verb form after a modal: always use the base verb without 'to'.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Remember: modal + base verb (no 'to')

Quiz

Complete: By now, they _____ the updated proposal.

Hint: Think about expressing a past expectation or probability

Quiz

Which sentence expresses regret about a past action?

Hint: Focus on past forms that express regret or criticism

Key Points

GrammarPoint

should

modal verb CEFR B1 //ʃʊd//

A modal verb used to give advice, express expectation, or indicate mild obligation.

You should attend the client meeting tomorrow.

GrammarPoint

should have

modal phrase CEFR B2 //ʃʊd hæv//

Used to express regret, criticism, or an expectation about a past action (should have + past participle).

You should have sent the invoice last week.

Vocabulary

ought to

modal phrase CEFR B2 //ɔːt tə//

Similar to 'should' and used to give advice or say what is morally right.

You ought to apologize to the customer.

Vocabulary

advice

noun CEFR B1 //ədˈvaɪs//

A suggestion about what someone should do.

Her manager gave her good advice about negotiation.

Vocabulary

regret

noun CEFR B2 //rɪˈɡrɛt//

A feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened or been done.

He expressed regret about the missed deadline.

GrammarPoint

modal verb

noun CEFR B1 //ˈməʊdəl vɜːrb//

A type of auxiliary verb that expresses necessity, possibility, permission, or ability (e.g., should, must, can).

Modals like 'should' do not change form for he/she/it.