“Should” is one of the most frequently used modal verbs in English, yet its various nuances often lead to confusion among learners. Whether you are aiming to improve your daily conversation skills or prepare for an English proficiency exam, understanding the specific functions of “should” is essential. In this article, IELTS LangGo will guide you through the definition, structure, and practical applications of this versatile word, along with exercises to reinforce your grammar knowledge.
What is “Should” in English?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “should” is a modal verb used to offer advice, express an opinion, or indicate what is correct or appropriate. It is commonly translated as “nên” (should) or “cần phải” (ought to/need to) in Vietnamese contexts.
For example:
- You should eat more fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet.
- We should embrace life and avoid worrying excessively about things beyond our control.
How to Use “Should” Correctly
1. Giving Advice
“Should” is most commonly used to provide advice or suggest an opinion on what someone should or should not do in a specific situation.
- Affirmative: S + should + V (base form)
- Negative: S + shouldn’t + V (base form)
- Interrogative: Should + S + V (base form)?
Example: You should apologize to your friend for your mistake. You shouldn’t procrastinate and leave your assignments until the last minute.
2. Expressing Moral Obligation or Responsibility
When referring to a moral duty or a past responsibility that was expected, we use a different structure.
- Structure: S + should/shouldn’t + have + V3 (past participle)
Example: You shouldn’t have lied to your parents about where you were. We should have donated to the charity event to support the cause.
3. Expressing Expectations
We use “should” to talk about events or states that we anticipate will happen or be true.
- Structure: S + should/shouldn’t + V (base form)
Example: The weather should clear up by tomorrow, allowing us to go for a picnic. He shouldn’t have any trouble finding a job given his qualifications.
4. Expressing Refusal or Annoyance
“Should” can be used to reject a suggestion or express irritation regarding someone else’s request. It can also signal surprise at a particular event.
- Structure: Why/How/Who/What + should + somebody/something + V (base form)?
Example: “Why should I work overtime every weekend? It’s becoming overwhelming.”
5. Indicating Purpose
When used after “in order that” or “so that,” “should” helps define the purpose of an action.
- Structure: Clause + in order that/so that + S + should + V (base form) + O
Example: All students are required to complete homework on time so that they should grasp the core concepts before the next lesson.
6. Replacing “If” in First Conditional Sentences
“Should” can function as a formal alternative to “if” in conditional sentences of type 1.
- Structure: Should + S1 + V, S2 + will/can… + V (base form) + O
Example: Should she save enough money, she will be able to travel around the world.
7. Expressing Gratitude
“You shouldn’t have” is a common idiomatic expression used to thank someone for a gift or a kind favor.
Important Notes on Using “Should”
- Regret vs. Criticism: When using “should have + V3” in the negative form, it often expresses regret or remorse for an action that was not taken, rather than just criticizing the person.
- Politeness: “Should” can replace “would” or “shall” to make requests or suggestions sound more polite in professional or social contexts.
- Strength of Obligation: Remember that “should” implies a recommendation, whereas “must” or “have to” carries a stronger sense of obligation or necessity.
Distinguishing Between Should, Ought to, and Had Better
While all three are used to give advice, they possess subtle differences:
- Should vs. Ought to: Both suggest the “right” thing to do. However, “should” is more common, especially in questions, while “ought to” sounds slightly more formal.
- Had Better: This phrase is used for urgent advice regarding actions that should be taken immediately to avoid negative consequences.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer.
- You have a sore throat. You __ see a doctor.
a) should b) can c) will d) must - It’s your friend’s birthday. You __ buy her a present.
a) shouldn’t b) can’t c) should d) must - The movie starts at 7 PM. We __ leave early to get good seats.
a) shouldn’t b) don’t have to c) should d) had better
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using “should”.
- Bạn nên ăn trái cây hàng ngày để giữ gìn sức khỏe. → You should eat fruits daily to maintain good health.
- Bạn nên đến sớm để học bài trước giờ học. → You should arrive early to study before class.
Understanding these structures is a crucial step in mastering English grammar. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions about English vocabulary or grammar rules!