Explanation
Exercises

🧭 Should & Shouldn’t

Modal for advice, recommendations and mild expectations. Same form for all persons. Followed by the base verb (infinitive without to).
should + base verb shouldn’t = should not Questions: Should + subject + verb? I (don’t) think + subject + should… Past advice: should have + past participle Expectation: It should be fine Alternative: ought (not) to
🧩Form
AFFIRMATIVE
  • I/You/He/She/It/We/They should see a specialist.
  • You should listen carefully.
NEGATIVE
  • You shouldn’t be here.
  • He should not drive so fast.
QUESTIONS
  • Should we call him now?
  • Should I bring anything?
  • ✗ You should to listen. → ✓ You should listen.
  • ✗ Do we should go? → ✓ Should we go?
🎯Main use — Advice & recommendations
ADVICE
  • You look tired. You should have some rest.
  • He shouldn’t skip breakfast.
“I think…” pattern
  • I think you should buy new shoes for the party.
  • I don’t think you should call her now. (✅ more natural than “I think you shouldn’t…”)
  • Do you think I should look for another apartment?
🔮Other common uses
EXPECTATION / PROBABILITY
  • The traffic should be lighter after 8 p.m.
  • Your package should arrive tomorrow.
POLITE SUGGESTIONS
  • You should try the soup — it’s great!
  • Guests should check in before 10 p.m.
CONDITIONAL (formal)
  • If you should need any help, call me.
⏳Past advice & criticism
SHOULD HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE
  • You should have called me. (good idea in the past, but you didn’t)
  • They shouldn’t have spent so much money.
  • ✗ You should of told me. → ✓ You should have told me.
Alternative
  • ought to ≈ should (a bit more formal): You ought to rest.
  • Negative: ought not to (often written oughtn’t to in BrE).
✅Quick checks
  • Same form for all subjects: She should…, They should…
  • Base verb only: should go, not *should to go.
  • Questions without do: Should we…?
  • Past advice: should have + V3.
  • Soft opinion: I (don’t) think + subject + should…
🧪More natural examples
  • You should back up your files regularly.
  • We shouldn’t leave the door unlocked.
  • Should I email the slides or share a link?
  • It should only take ten minutes.
  • You should have worn a jacket — it’s cold tonight.
Recap: should/shouldn’t = advice, polite suggestions and likely expectations. Use the base verb, make questions with Should + subject, and use should have + V3 for past advice or criticism. 🌟
Exercises:
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Should, shouldn’t

Complete the sentences using should, shouldn’t and the words in brackets ( ).
1
It’s getting dark. You (bring) a flashlight.
2
This email has mistakes. You (send) it yet.
3
Lily is coughing a lot. She (see) a doctor.
4
These shoes are too tight. You (wear) them all day.
5
It’s your turn to present. You (prepare) some slides.
6
The soup is very hot. You (touch) the pot without gloves.
7
Our guests will arrive at six. We (clean) the living room.
8
The road is icy. Drivers (drive) carefully.
9
I’m not sure about the answer. I (check) it again.
10
The concert is tomorrow morning. You (stay) up late tonight.

Should, shouldn’t

Choose the correct forms to complete the following sentences.
1
What ____ I say if the client calls again?
A.
B.
C.
2
You ____ smoke in the hospital.
A.
B.
C.
3
I ____ take a taxi — it’s raining hard.
A.
B.
C.
4
____ we book the tickets now or wait till tomorrow?
A.
B.
C.
5
He ____ be late. The meeting starts at nine sharp.
A.
B.
C.
6
You ____ apologize — it wasn’t your fault.
A.
B.
C.
7
I ____ told her the truth earlier. Now she’s upset.
A.
B.
C.
8
He ____ sent that email — it was confidential.
A.
B.
C.
9
If the pain gets worse, you ____ see a doctor.
A.
B.
C.
10
It’s freezing outside. You ____ without a coat.
A.
B.
C.

Should, shouldn’t

Complete the sentences with should / shouldn’t + a verb from the box (base form). One item is a question.
Verb box: ask – call – check – drink – give – lie – take – watch – wear – apologize

should + V (advice) shouldn’t + V (bad idea) Question: should + subject + V? No “to” after should

1
I more water during the day; I often get headaches.
2
You about delays — be honest with your manager.
3
Parents medicine to their children without checking the dose.
4
I a short break every ninety minutes; it helps me focus.
5
Who if I need help with the new software?
6
You IT immediately — your screen is frozen.
7
Children TV all afternoon — let them play outside too.
8
For the lab, staff protective glasses.
9
Before sending the file, you all figures carefully.
10
I was rude earlier — I to Emma.