Use should plus the base verb to give affirmative advice, as in you should drink more water, and shouldn’t plus the base verb for negative advice, as in you shouldn’t eat so much sugar. Should is a modal verb that never changes with the subject and never takes to.
Grammar Rule
Should is a modal verb: it never changes with the subject, never takes to, and expresses a suggestion rather than an obligation.
Should / Shouldn’t: Rules and Examples
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative advice | should + base verb | You should drink more water. She should see a doctor. |
| Negative advice | shouldn’t + base verb | You shouldn’t eat so much sugar. |
| Question | Should + subject + base verb | Should I call him now? What should I do? |
Remember: should never changes form or takes to; the verb after it is always in the base form.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below giving advice with should or shouldn’t. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Should / Shouldn't – Advice and Recommendations
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you give advice with should?
Use should plus the base form of the verb, as in you should drink more water, without adding -s or to, regardless of the subject.
How do you give negative advice?
Use shouldn’t plus the base verb, as in you shouldn’t eat so much sugar, to recommend against an action.
How do you ask for advice using should?
Put should before the subject, as in should I call him now, or use a wh- word before should, as in what should I do.
Does should express an obligation like must?
No, should expresses a suggestion or recommendation, which is weaker than must or have to, which express obligation or necessity.