Should and Shouldn’t: Everyday Advice
By the end: I can give simple advice and ask what to do.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Start here
A friend wants to learn English but has little study time.
Read each explanation, say your answer aloud, then open the model and try again. You may write your answer if you prefer. Use invented personal details whenever you like.
Useful preparation: Base verbs; can pattern; because for a simple reason.
Allow a first attempt before opening the model. Start: 3 minutes. Learn and You say: 18. Practice: 8. Listening: 9. Quiz and correction: 8. Speaking: 11. Recap: 3.
Choose a play button when you are ready.
Suggest a good idea
Use should + base verb to say what you think is a good idea. It gives advice, not a rule that is always compulsory. Should does not change with he or she, and the next verb has no to.
You should practise a little every day.
She should ask the teacher.
A recommended start and a start to avoid
This is the suggested starting point.
One replaces book here.
Advise against something
Use shouldn’t + base verb when you think an action is not a good idea. Shouldn’t means should not. Give a clear, ordinary reason when it helps.
You shouldn’t leave your work until Sunday night.
He shouldn’t use his phone in the lesson.
Read the positive and negative advice together
“Yes, you should.”
The listener recommends asking.
The listener advises against waiting until next week.
Together, the two answers recommend asking before next week. They do not give one exact appointment time.
Ask for advice and explain
Ask What should I do? or Should I ask the teacher? Put should before the person. Add because to explain advice: You should check the time because the class starts early.
What should I do?
You should check the time because the class starts early.
Keep the advice with its reason
Tonight tells you when to check.
Because can connect this reason to the advice.
You should check the bus time tonight because the class starts early.
No exact bus departure or class starting time is given in the recording.Guided practice
Try each answer first. Check it, or open a model and its explanation.
Try the form
Compare an answer and explanation
practise
Use the base verb after should.
Compare an answer and explanation
should
Should stays the same with she.
Compare an answer and explanation
shouldn’t
Should not becomes shouldn’t.
Compare an answer and explanation
should
Put should before I.
Build or change a sentence
Compare an answer and explanation
You shouldn’t wait. / You should not wait.
Put not after should.
Compare an answer and explanation
Should I check the time?
Put should before I.
Compare an answer and explanation
He should study.
Do not put to after should.
Compare an answer and explanation
You should check the time because the class starts early.
Because gives the reason.
Listen to a short conversation
Listen. Then open the words and read aloud. Try one part with a partner, or say both parts on your own.
Open the conversation transcript
A: I don’t understand the homework. What should I do?
B: You should ask the teacher.
A: Should I wait until next week?
B: No. You shouldn’t wait. Ask today.
Listening checks
Read the question, play its recording, then choose an answer. You can open the transcript whenever you need it.
Listening 1
Read the transcript
You want to read more English. You should choose a short, easy book. You shouldn’t start with a very long one.
Listening 2
Read the transcript
My class starts early. You should check the bus time tonight.
Listening 3
Read the transcript
Should I ask my teacher? Yes, you should. You shouldn’t wait until next week.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. Aim for 7 out of 8, then correct anything you missed.
Answer key with explanations
ask Use the base verb after should.
should Should is unchanged with she.
You shouldn’t wait. Shouldn’t gives advice against waiting.
What should I do? Put should before I.
Yes, you should. The listener gives advice to you.
You should check the time because the class starts early. Because introduces the reason.
I think this is a good idea. It gives advice.
He shouldn’t use his phone. Use the base verb after shouldn’t.
This quiz checks this lesson, not your overall English level.
Make it yours
Speak first, compare a model, then say a new version. These tasks are ungraded.
Speaking task 1
A friend has only ten minutes a day for English. Give two pieces of advice and one warning about study habits.
Compare a possible response
You should practise every day. You should choose a short activity. You shouldn’t try to do everything at once.
Success check: Use should and shouldn’t with base verbs.
This is one possible response. Try again with your own details.
Tutor follow-up: What one detail can you change?
Speaking task 2
Ask for advice about homework you do not understand. Your partner gives two suggestions. On your own, speak both roles.
Compare a possible response
What should I do? You should read the example. You should ask the teacher.
Success check: Ask with should before I.
This is one possible response. Try again with your own details.
Tutor follow-up: What one detail can you change?
Speaking task 3
Give advice for arriving at an early class on time. Explain one suggestion with because.
Compare a possible response
You should check the bus time because the class starts early. You shouldn’t leave at the last minute.
Success check: Include one clear reason.
This is one possible response. Try again with your own details.
Tutor follow-up: What one detail can you change?
Recap
Listen and repeat. You should practise a little every day. You shouldn’t leave your work until Sunday night. What should I do?
I can give simple advice and ask what to do.
- I can use the main pattern.
- I can make one sentence of my own.
- I know one thing to practise again.