What is Modal Should for Advice?
Modal should is used to give advice, recommendations or suggestions — something that is a good idea but not mandatory.
Should for advice offers recommendations: You should visit the doctor. It's weaker than must and stronger than might, expressing what is probably a good idea.
- •Clear recommendation
- •Probably a good idea
- •Suggested action
- •Important to consider
- •Possibility or option
- •Maybe consider it
- •Not strongly recommended
- •Take it or leave it
Step-by-step worked examples
You should exercise regularly for better health.
Modal: should Form: should + base verb (exercise) Meaning: A good recommendation, not mandatory
She should see a doctor about that cough.
Modal: should Form: should + base verb (see) Meaning: Strong advice for her benefit
We should leave early to avoid traffic.
Modal: should Form: should + base verb (leave) Meaning: Suggested action for better outcome
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which sentence uses should correctly?
Q2.What does 'You should exercise daily' express?
Q3.How do you express past advice that wasn't taken?
Q4.What's the difference between should and must?
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Common mistakes
You should to go to the gym. — Correct: You should go to the gym. (No 'to' after should)
He shoulds study harder. — Correct: He should study harder. (Should never adds 's')
You should went to the party. — Correct: You should have gone to the party. (For past, use 'should have + past participle')
You shouldn't exercise is my advice. — Correct: My advice is: You should exercise. / Shouldn't means advice to avoid.
FAQ
What is modal should for advice?
Should gives recommendations or suggestions — something that is probably a good idea but not mandatory.
What's the difference between should and must?
Should is advice (recommended); must is obligation (required). Should is weaker and less urgent than must.
How do you express past advice?
Use 'should have + past participle': You should have studied. (for missed past opportunity)
Can you use should for obligation?
Not really. If something is truly mandatory, use 'must'. 'Should' implies it's a recommendation, not a requirement.