“Should” is a modal verb in English used to express advice, recommendations, obligation, expectation, or probability. Here’s how you can use it:
- Advice or Recommendation:
- You should eat more vegetables.
- She should see a doctor about her back pain.
- We should study for the exam tonight.
- Obligation:
- I should finish this report by Friday.
- They should pay their bills on time.
- He should apologize for his behavior.
- Expectation:
- The train should arrive at 10:00 AM.
- The package should be delivered tomorrow.
- She should know the answer to that question.
- Probability:
- With his experience, he should be able to solve this problem.
- If you study hard, you should pass the test.
- It should be easy to find parking at this time of day.
“Should” is a versatile modal verb that can be used in various contexts to convey different meanings related to advice, obligation, expectation, or probability. It often suggests a sense of appropriateness or what is considered the right course of action.
Should is used to give advice or to talk about what you think is right or wrong.
You should do something = It is the right thing to do something, or it is a good thing to do something.
SUBJECT + SHOULD + VERB BASE FORM
– Mark is getting asleep at work. He should sleep better.
– Peter looks tired. He should go to bed.
– Star Wars is a great movie. You should see it.
– Should I tell her the bad news?
You shouldn´t do something = it is not a good thing to do.
SUBJECT + SHOULD NOT (SHOULDN´T) + VERB BASE FORM
We use shouldn’t to advise not to do something, usually because it is wrong.
– Brad shouldn´t eat pizza if he wants to lose weight.
– Kate watch YouTube videos all the time. She shouldn´t spend so much time on YouTube.
– Shouldn´t you inform him of the price increase?
I think… should….
– I think Mary should leave that job.
– I think I should practice my conversation skills.
Another way to say should is ought to.
Ought to sounds more formal than should and is used less frequently.
– I think Robert ought to buy new shoes.
– You ought to study more.
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