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Grammartier

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Interactive Grammar: Should

Use 'should' to give and ask for advice, express opinions, and describe what is expected or the right thing to do.

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Exercises

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~64 min
Exercises
43
Level
Elementary

Overview

Use 'should' to give and ask for advice, express opinions, and describe what is expected or the right thing to do.

Should / Shouldn't

  • adviceYou should see a doctor about that.
  • recommendationYou should book early to get a discount.
  • negativeYou shouldn't drive if you are tired.
  • questionShould I call him, or wait?

Structure

  • should + base verb (same form for all persons)
  • Negative: should not / shouldn't + base verb
  • Question: Should + subject + base verb?
  • Weaker than 'must' — expresses advice, not obligation.

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ You should to eat more slowly. → ✅ You should eat. (no 'to')
  • ❌ She shoulds go to the doctor. → ✅ She should go.
  • ❌ What I should do? → ✅ What should I do?

When to use

Health advice

You should drink more water.

Study tips

You should revise every day.

Workplace advice

You should speak to your manager.

Guidance

They should consider all the options.

Multiple Choice

Choose the best use of 'should' or 'shouldn't'

Multiple Choice15 questions
1You look tired. You get some rest.
2He drive so fast — it is dangerous.
3We book the tickets early to get a discount.
4 I call her, or wait for her to call me?
5'Should' is used to express .
6You smoke in the hospital — it is forbidden.
7She visit a doctor if she is feeling unwell.
8The children play near the road.
9What I do with this old furniture?
10You eat more fruit and vegetables — it is good for you.
11They be more careful with their money.
12'Should' comes before the form of the verb.
13I think she apologise for what she said.
14He to come — he said he would.
15You use your phone during the presentation.

Fill in the Blanks

Complete with should or shouldn't

Fill in the Blanks10 questions
1You(should/shouldn't)eat more vegetables — they are good for you.
2He(should/shouldn't)drive if he hasn't slept properly.
3I think she(should/shouldn't)apologise for what she said.
4You(should/shouldn't)worry — everything will be fine.
5He(should/shouldn't)see a doctor about that cough.
6We(should/shouldn't)be rude to our colleagues.
7They(should/shouldn't)book early to get a good seat.
8You(should/shouldn't)leave your bag unattended.
9She(should/shouldn't)take the job — it is a great opportunity.
10I(should/shouldn't)call him — I haven't spoken to him for weeks.

Transform the Sentences

Give advice using 'should' or 'shouldn't'

Transform8 questions

1He is very stressed. → → Give advice using 'should'

2She always eats junk food. → → Give advice using 'shouldn't'

3He is sleepy during lectures. → → Give advice using 'should'

4She speaks rudely to her colleagues. → → Give advice using 'shouldn't'

5They want to get fit. → → Give advice using 'should'

6I am not sure whether to accept the offer. → → Ask for advice with 'Should'

7He wastes a lot of money. → → Give advice using 'shouldn't'

8She feels unwell. → → Give advice using 'should'

Fix the Errors

Correct the mistake with 'should'

Error Fix10 questions

1You should to eat more slowly.

2She shoulds go to the doctor.

3He shouldn't to work so hard.

4Should he to apply for the job?

5They should not to smoke here.

6You shouldn't to eat so much sugar.

7I should studying harder.

8She didn't should say that.

9He should not drove fast.

10What I should do?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on modals cover?

Use 'should' to give and ask for advice, express opinions, and describe what is expected or the right thing to do.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Elementary (A2) learners and forms part of the Modals section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

Your Grammar Learning Path

Follow the CEFR progression for this topic cluster.

  1. A2
    Modal Verbs
  2. A2
    Modal Verbs for Future Possibility
  3. A2
    ShouldYou are here
  4. B1
    Modals for Obligation, Prohibition and Advice
  5. B1
    Modals of Necessity
  6. B2
    Advanced Obligation Modals
  7. B2
    Modals of Deduction

Before You Start

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