What Are Imperatives and ‘Should’?

In English, we have different ways to give advice or make suggestions. Two common ways are using imperatives and the modal verb should.

Both help you tell someone what you think is a good idea, but they have different levels of strength and directness.

How Do We Form Imperatives?

Imperatives are very simple to form. You just use the base form of the verb, without a subject.

• For positive imperatives, use the verb directly: “Listen to music.”
• For negative imperatives, add don't before the base verb: “Don't use devices.”

When Do We Use Imperatives?

We use imperatives when we want to be direct. They are stronger than should and tell someone exactly what to do. You can use them for:

• Strong Advice: “Try to get a good night's sleep.”
• Instructions: “Turn left now!”
• Warnings: “Be careful!”

How Do We Form 'Should'?

Should is a modal verb, which means it works with another verb. It is the same for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).

• Positive: Subject + should + base verb. Example: “You should try to drink less coffee.”
• Negative: Subject + shouldn't + base verb. Example: “You shouldn't work for hours without a break.”
• Questions: Should + subject + base verb? Example: “Should I stop eating chocolate?”

When Do We Use 'Should'?

Should is used for advice that is less strong than an imperative. It shows that you are giving an opinion or a recommendation, not a command.

• Recommendations: “You should visit the new museum.”
• Polite Advice: We often use phrases like I think..., I don't think..., or Do you think...? to introduce advice with should. This makes your advice even more polite.
• Example: “I think you should relax more.”

Imperatives vs. 'Should': What's the Difference?

The main difference is the strength and directness of your message.

• Imperatives are direct and strong. They are like a command. Use them when you need to be very clear or firm.
• Should is softer and more like a suggestion. Use it when you want to give friendly advice or an opinion.

Examples

• “Turn on the TV or listen to music while you clean.”
• “You should try to drink less coffee and smoke less, too.”
• “You shouldn't work for hours without a break.”
• “Don't use devices with bright screens before you go to sleep.”
• “I think you should go to bed early tonight.”
• “Should I call him?”

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Spanish speakers sometimes make these common mistakes:

• Adding a subject to imperatives: In Spanish, you often imply the subject or use a pronoun. In English, imperatives never have a subject.
  • ❌ “You go there!”
  • ✅ “Go there!”
• Using not instead of don't for negative imperatives:
  • ❌ “Not touch that!”
  • ✅ “Don't touch that!”
• Using to after should: Remember should is a modal verb, so it's followed by the base form of the verb without to.
  • ❌ “You should to study more.”
  • ✅ “You should study more.”

Frequently asked questions

Can I use imperatives to give instructions?

Yes, absolutely! Imperatives are perfect for giving clear instructions, like “Open your book to page 10.”

Is 'should' always about advice?

Mostly, yes. Should expresses what is generally a good idea or correct. It can also express expectation, like “He should be here by now.”

Is it rude to use imperatives?

Not always. It depends on the situation and your tone. With friends or family, or for clear instructions, it's fine. But for general advice to someone you don't know well, should is usually more polite.

What's the difference between 'should' and 'must'?

Should is advice or a recommendation (“You should eat healthy.”). Must expresses a strong obligation or necessity (“You must wear a seatbelt.”).

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