The Modal Verb SHOULD

The Modal Verb Should – Uses and Examples

Hello English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we’re going to look at one of the most useful modal verbs in English – the modal verb should. We use should to give advice, recommendations, expectations, and to talk about regret about the past. It appears very often in everyday English and in exams such as B2 First and C1 Advanced.

Let’s explore how it works and how to use it naturally.

Should for giving advice

We very often use the modal verb should to tell someone what the right or sensible thing to do is in a particular situation.

• You should study more if you want to pass the exam.
• You look pale. You should go to the doctor.
• As a citizen, you should obey the law.

To make advice softer and more polite, we often add phrases like: I think…, If you ask me…, Don’t you think…, I assume…

• I think you should read the instructions before you assemble the bookcase.
• Don’t you think you should wear lighter clothes when cycling?
• If you ask me, you should buy a thicker jacket for Canada.
• I assume you should see the doctor again if the medicine doesn’t help.

Shouldn’t (negative form)

The negative form is should not / shouldn’t. We use it to say that something is not a good idea.

• You shouldn’t underestimate his abilities.
• You shouldn’t believe everything you read online.
• I don’t think you should spend your money so carelessly.

Should for recommendations and suggestions

We can also use should to recommend things — places, food, actions, or habits.

• You should definitely try sushi in that new Japanese restaurant.
• You should consider wearing more formal clothes for the interview.
• You should book the tickets in advance.
• I think you should stop smoking if you want to feel better.

Should for expectations

We use should to say that something is what we expect to be true or what seems logical.

• The address is wrong. It should be Oak Street 34, not Elm Street 43.
• It’s late. Mark should be home by now.
• It’s 9 a.m. The children should be at school.
• Computers should make life easier, not more complicated.

We also use should to say that we expect something to happen:

• Lorna has worked hard. Her project should be accepted.
• These batteries are new. They should last a long time.
• He put in a lot of effort. He should be rewarded.

Should have + past participle (past regret or criticism)

We use should have done to talk about something in the past that was a mistake, or something that didn’t happen but would have been better.

• I failed the exam. I should have studied more.
• She missed the train. She should have been more careful.
• I have a terrible headache. I shouldn’t have drunk so much last night.
• He didn’t apologise. He should have said sorry.

Should do vs should have done

Should do → advice about now or the future

Should have done → regret or criticism about the past

Compare:

You should buy a new computer. (advice)

You should have bought it during the sale. (regret)

Final tip

Should is polite, natural, and extremely common in advice, suggestions, reviews, essays and speaking exams. Mastering it will instantly make your English sound more fluent and more natural.

Download the modal verb SHOULD exercises in PDF here

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