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Grammar Worksheet

Giving Advice: Should and Shouldn’t

A2–B1 Modal verb ‘should’ for advice
Explanation

Use should to give advice or make a recommendation.

Use shouldn’t to say something is not a good idea.

Should is the same for all subjects — there is no -s in the third person.

Form
Subject Modal Base verb
I / You / He / She / It / We / They should eat  •  rest  •  go  •  call…
I / You / He / She / It / We / They shouldn’t eat  •  rest  •  go  •  call…

Question:  Should + subject + base verb?  →  Should I go?

Short answers:  Yes, [subject] should.  /  No, [subject] shouldn’t.

Examples
  1. You should drink more water.
  2. He shouldn’t stay up so late.
  3. Should I call the doctor?
  4. She should study harder for the exam.
  5. You shouldn’t eat so much sugar.
  6. They should apologise.
  7. Should we leave now?
  8. He shouldn’t drive so fast.
Common Mistakes
Exercises
1 Should or shouldn’t?

Write should or shouldn’t to complete each sentence.

  1. You drink more water. It’s very hot today.
  2. He stay up so late. He has an exam tomorrow.
  3. She see a doctor if the pain continues.
  4. We talk in the cinema. It’s not polite.
  5. You apologise. It was your fault.
2 Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

  1. He shoulds eat more vegetables.
  2. You should to call her.
  3. Should I to bring something?
  4. She don’t should go alone.
3 Give advice

Use should or shouldn’t + a verb: call • eat • go • study • take

  1. “I have a headache.” → You an aspirin.
  2. “I feel tired.” → You to bed earlier.
  3. “I want to improve my English.” → You every day.
  4. “I don’t know what to do.” → You your teacher.
  5. “I never eat breakfast.” → You breakfast. It’s important.
4 Your opinion

Write your own opinion. Use should or shouldn’t.

  1. People _____ eat meat.
  2. Students _____ use phones in class.
  3. Everyone _____ learn a second language.
  4. Children _____ do homework every day.
5 Write the question

Use the words to write a question with should.

you / talk to him  →  Should I talk to him?

  1. we / leave now
  2. she / see a doctor
  3. I / wear a jacket
  4. they / book in advance
Speaking Activity

Ask your partner: “What should someone do if they…?”

Give at least two pieces of advice. Use should and shouldn’t.