Modals - should

Elementary (A2)en
Should (advice)

Modal Verb – SHOULD 

 
In this lesson, you will learn how to use should to give advice.


1. What Does SHOULD Mean?
Use should when:
  • giving advice
  • saying what is a good idea (opinion)
  • talking about what is best to do

Think:
 “Is it a good idea or suggestion, but not a rule you must follow.”  → Use should
 
 
2. SHOULD – Structure
  • Positive Sentences:
Subject + should + base verb
 
Examples:
  • “You should drink more water.”
  • “She should see a doctor.”
  • “They should study more.”

  • Negative Sentences:
Subject + should not + base verb
 
Examples:
  • “You should not smoke.” → You shouldn’t smoke.
  • “He should not stay up late.” → He shouldn’t stay up late. 
 
  • Questions:
Should + subject + base verb?
 
Examples:
  • “Should I call her?”
  • “Should we leave now?”

 
3. Common Uses of SHOULD
  •  Advice
 
Examples:
  • “You should rest.”
  • “You should talk to your teacher.”

  •  Opinion About the Best Choice
 
Examples:
  • “We should leave early.”
  • “She should take the bus.”

 
4. SHOULD vs HAVE TO
  • Should → advice (your opinion)
  • Have to → obligation (rule or necessity)

Examples:
  • “You should eat healthy.” (Advice)
  • “You have to wear a helmet.” (Rule)

 
5. Easy Way to Remember
  • Should → suggestion / good idea
  • Have to → obligation / must do

Practice Exercises

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Should (advice)

A2
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Related Vocabulary

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Should (advice)

A2

Modals (Should)

1 words
should

verb

A2

Used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions.

You should finish your homework before playing.

Created: December 30, 2025

Last updated: December 30, 2025