Should / Shouldn't
We use should and shouldn't to give advice or say what we think is a good or bad idea. It is weaker than must. It is a suggestion, not something you have to do.
Structure
- Positive: Subject + should + base form. The base form is the verb without 's' or 'to' (go, eat, rest). Example: You should drink more water.
- Negative: Subject + should not (shouldn't) + base form. Example: You shouldn't skip breakfast.
- Yes/No question: Should + subject + base form? Example: Should I call her?
- Short answers: Yes, + subject + should. / No, + subject + shouldn't. Example: Should I call her? Yes, you should. / No, you shouldn't.
- Wh-question: Wh-word + should + subject + base form? Example: What should I wear?
How the Grammar Works
- Should is the same for every subject. It has no 's' and does not change: She should rest.
- Always use the base form after should, never 'to': You should rest.
- Use shouldn't to advise against something: You shouldn't stay up so late.
- Use Should I/we...? to ask for advice: Should we take an umbrella?
Common Use Cases
- Giving advice: You should see a doctor.
- Making suggestions: We should try that new restaurant.
- Saying something is a bad idea: You shouldn't eat so much sugar.
- Asking for advice: What should I wear tonight?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Adding 'to' after should. Incorrect: You should to relax. Correct: You should relax. Why: should is followed by the base form.
- Adding 's' to should. Incorrect: She shoulds rest. Correct: She should rest. Why: should never changes.
- Using 'do/does' with should. Incorrect: Do I should call her? / She doesn't should go. Correct: Should I call her? / She shouldn't go. Why: should makes questions and negatives by itself, so it needs no 'do/does'.
- Using should when you mean must. Incorrect (when it is the law): You should have a passport to enter the country. Correct: You must have a passport to enter the country. Why: should is a suggestion, and must is strong.
Comparison with Related Grammar
Should is much softer than must or have to. You must see a doctor is a strong warning. You should see a doctor is friendly advice. The person can choose to follow it or not.
Example Sentences
- You should read this book because it's great.
- I think we shouldn't wait any longer.
- Should I bring a gift?
- He should say sorry to her.
- You shouldn't talk to strangers like that.
When to Use This Rule
Use should and shouldn't to give or ask for advice and opinions. It is a suggestion, not an order. Remember: no 's', no 'to', no 'do/does'.