What is Should?

We use the word should to give advice or make a suggestion. It means something is a good idea or helpful.

Think of it like saying, ‘This is a good thing to do.’

• You should study for the test. (It’s a good idea to study.)
• He should go to bed early. (It’s helpful for him to sleep more.)
• We should help our friends. (It’s a good thing to do.)

How to Form Sentences with Should

The grammar for should is very easy. You do not change the verb after should.

• First, use the subject (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
• Then, add should.
• Finally, add the base form of the verb (the verb without 'to' and without -s or -ing).

The structure is always: Subject + should + Base Verb.

• I should call my mom.
• You should drink water.
• She should wear a coat.
• They should listen to the teacher.

When to Use Shouldn't

Shouldn't 是……的简称 should not. We use it to give negative advice or say that something is not a good idea.

Think of it like saying, 'This is not a good thing to do.'

• You shouldn't eat too much candy. (It's not a good idea for your health.)
• He shouldn't play with fire. (It's very dangerous.)
• They shouldn't talk loudly in the library. (It's not helpful for others.)

用于 shouldn't is the same as should: Subject + shouldn't + Base Verb.

Asking for Advice: Should I...?

您还可以使用 should to ask for advice. To do this, you put should at the beginning of the question.

• 其结构如下： Should + Subject + Base Verb?

例如：

• Should I buy this shirt?
• Should we go to the park?
• Should he tell her the truth?

To answer these questions, you can use short answers:

• Yes, you should.
• No, you shouldn't.

示例

• You look tired. You should rest.
• It's cold outside. She should wear a warm jacket.
• He shouldn't forget his keys.
• We should be on time for the meeting.
• Should I bring a gift?
• No, you shouldn't. It's not necessary.
• They shouldn't waste food.
• You should try this new restaurant. It's very good!

练习

西班牙语母语者常犯的错误

Spanish speakers might sometimes confuse should with a stronger obligation like "deber". Remember, should is for advice, not a strict rule.

• Mistake 1: Using "to" after should.
  • 错误： He should to study.
  • 正确： He should study.
  • Explanation: After should, always use the base form of the verb without "to".
• Mistake 2: Changing the verb form after should.
  • 错误： She should eats.
  • 正确： She should eat.
  • Explanation: The verb after should never changes, even for he/she/it. It's always the base form.
• Mistake 3: Changing the verb form in questions.
  • 错误： Should he goes?
  • 正确： Should he go?
  • Explanation: In questions, the verb after the subject also stays in its base form.

常见问题

What is the difference between should and must?

Should is for advice or suggestions; it's a recommendation. Must is for strong obligations or rules; it means something is necessary or required. For example, You should eat vegetables (good idea), but You must stop at a red light (it's a rule).

Can I use should for the past?

For A1 English, we use should to talk about advice for the present or future. For example, You should call her now 或 You should visit next week. There are more complex forms for the past, but you will learn those later.

Is should formal or informal?

Should is a very common word and can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is a polite way to give advice or make suggestions to anyone.

相关课程

• Modal verbs
• Modal verbs
• Modal verbs
• Modal verbs