Grammar » A2 Grammar lessons and exercises » Should, shouldn’t
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  • Should, shouldn’t

    Exercise 1

    Complete the sentences using should, shouldn’t and the words in brackets ( ).

    1 You have a great job; you (change) it.

    2 You (drink) so much coffee; it's bad for your blood pressure.

    3 The government (help) people.

    4 It's an incredible film. You (watch) it.

    5 It's a very dangerous area. Tourists (go) there.

    6 Do you think (I/apply) for a new job?

    7 You (go) to that restaurant. The food is terrible.

    8 When someone does you a favour, you (say) thank you.

    9 He (study) more if he wants to pass his exam.

    10 Children (drink) sugary drinks. It's not very healthy.


     

  • Should, shouldn’t – Form

    should, shouldn’t

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    The same form for all persons

    The form of should is the same for all persons:

    • I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they should see a specialist. 

    Should(n’t) + infinitive

    Should is a modal verb, and all modal verbs are followed by an infinitive (without to).

    • You should listen to me. (NOT You should to listen.)

    Should not= shouldn’t

    The negative form of should is should not or shouldn’t.

    • You should not be here./You shouldn’t be here. 

    Questions

    To make questions, we use should + subject + infinitive. We don’t use the verb do to make questions.

    • Should we call him?

     

    Should, shouldn’t – Use

    Giving advice

    We use should or shouldn’t to give somebody advice and to say what is or isn’t the right thing to do.

    • You look tired. You should have some rest. 
    • He shouldn’t drive so fast. He’ll have an accident one day. 

    I think you should …

    We often say I think … should  to give somebody advice.

    • I think you should buy a new pair of shoes for the party. 
    • I think we should go home; it’s very late. 

    Note that in a negative sentence, we often say I don’t think … should … (NOT I think … shouldn’t …)

    • I don’t think you should call her now; she’s very upset. (NOT I think you shouldn’t call her)

    We often say Do you think … should … to ask for advice.

    • Do you think I should look for another apartment?

    Ought to, ought not to

    We can also use ought to instead of should, and ought not to instead of shouldn’t.

    • You ought to have some rest.
    • He ought not to drive so fast. 
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