Should and shouldn't: advice
Giving advice with should + bare infinitive; softer alternatives (maybe you should, I think you should)
I can give, soften and ask for advice with should.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
You should try the night train - you sleep, and the miles do the work.
You should try the night train - you sleep, and the miles do the work.
Should we tell her the surprise party is cancelled? - We probably should.
Should we tell her the surprise party is cancelled? - We probably should.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
One form for everyone, bare infinitive after it:
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| + | You should see a doctor. |
| - | You shouldn't eat so fast. |
| ? | Should I call them back? |
No -s, no to: *she should to go and *she shoulds are both wrong. Soften advice with maybe / I think: Maybe you should rest. Asking for advice: What should I do?
- *should to go → should go: bare infinitive
- *she shoulds → she should: no -s ever
Common Error Patterns
to after should
Modal + bare infinitive
-s on should
Modals never inflect
You should try the night train - you sleep, and the miles do the work.
You should try the night train - you sleep, and the miles do the work.
should + bare infinitive: travel advice.
Should we tell her the surprise party is cancelled? - We probably should.
Should we tell her the surprise party is cancelled? - We probably should.
Question by inversion + short echo answer.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A2 course exercises