Ampersand Lab

Foundation grammar · Lesson 32 · A2

should

You should do something means it is a good idea or the right thing to do; you shouldn't means it isn't. I think and I don't think often come with should, must is stronger, and ought to means the same.

Start the lesson

13Steps · about 21 minutes

In this lesson

should and shouldn'tA3 screens of questions
I think ... should, I don't think ... shouldB4 screens of questions
must is stronger; ought toC1 screen of questions

Point A of 3

should and shouldn't

should + base form never changes: I should go, she should stop, they shouldn't watch.

You should do something: doing it is wise, sensible or right.

You shouldn't do something: doing it is unwise or wrong. Shouldn't is short for should not.

  • Tom should go to bed earlier. He's always shattered.
  • That café does brilliant breakfasts. You should try it.
  • When you drive at night, you should always dip your headlights for oncoming cars.
  • Amy shouldn't stay up so late on school nights.
  • You're always on your phone. You shouldn't look at it so much.

Point A · Exercise 32.1 · part 1 of 2

Complete the sentences with you should + one of these verbs: clean, go, take, visit, watch, wear.

Use these

cleangotakevisitwatchwear

  1. Example

    When you play tennis, you should watch the ball.

    AnswerWhen you play tennis, you should watch the ball.

  2. You've been yawning all evening. to bed.

  3. your teeth twice a day.

  4. If you've got time, the castle. It's fascinating.

  5. When you're in a car, a seat belt.

Point A · Exercise 32.1 · part 2 of 2

Complete the sentences with you should + one of these verbs: clean, go, take, visit, watch, wear.

Use these

cleangotakevisitwatchwear

  1. The airport is miles away and you've got heavy bags. a taxi.

Point A · Exercise 32.2

Write about the people in the scenes. Use He/She shouldn't ... so ... .

  1. Example

    A friend tells a woman: "You watch telly too much."

    She ...

    She shouldn't watch telly so much.

    AnswerShe shouldn't watch telly so much.

  2. A friend tells a man: "You eat too much."

    He ...

  3. A friend tells a woman: "You work too hard."

    She ...

  4. A passenger tells a driver: "You drive too fast."

    He ...

Point B of 3

I think ... should, I don't think ... should

We often use think with should. Note: I don't think you should, not I think you shouldn't (both are heard, but the first is the usual one).

Ask for advice with Do you think ... should ... ?

  • I think Carol should buy a new coat. (I think it's a good idea)
  • It's nearly midnight. I think I should head home.
  • "Shall I buy these boots?" "Yes, I think you should."
  • I don't think you should work so hard.
  • I don't think we should leave yet. The party's only just started.
  • Do you think I should take this job?
  • What time do you reckon we should set off?

Point B · Exercise 32.3

You ask a friend for advice. Write questions with Do you think I should ... ?

  1. Example

    You're in a shop trying on some boots.

    (buy?)

    Do you think I should buy these boots?

    AnswerDo you think I should buy these boots?

  2. You can't drive.

    (learn?)

  3. You don't like your job.

    (get another job?)

  4. You're having a party.

    (invite Gary?)

Point B · Exercise 32.4 · part 1 of 2

Write sentences with I think ... should ... or I don't think ... should ... .

  1. Example

    It's late. (go home now)

    I think we should go home now.

    AnswerI think we should go home now.

  2. Example

    Those trousers are far too long for you. (buy them)

    I don't think you should buy them.

    AnswerI don't think you should buy them.

  3. You never ride your bike. (sell it)

  4. Ruth looks worn out. (take a break)

  5. Ben and Kim have only known each other for a week. (move in together)

  6. You've got a high temperature. (go to college)

Point B · Exercise 32.4 · part 2 of 2

Write sentences with I think ... should ... or I don't think ... should ... .

  1. Max has had a cough for weeks. (see a doctor)

  2. That restaurant is way out of our budget. (eat there)

Point B · Exercise 32.5

What do you think? Write sentences with should.

  1. Example

    I think everybody should ...

    I think everybody should learn another language.

    Example answerI think everybody should learn another language.

  2. I think everybody should ...

  3. I think ...

  4. I don't think ...

  5. I think I should ...

Point C of 3

must is stronger; ought to

Must is stronger than should (see Unit 31). Ought to means the same as should.

  • That café does brilliant breakfasts. You should try it.
  • It's a brilliant film. You must go and see it.
  • That café does brilliant breakfasts. You ought to try it.
  • I think Carol ought to buy a new coat.

Point C · Extra practice

Complete each sentence with ought to. Should is also right.

  1. You look tired. You go to bed.

  2. We ring Gran. It's her birthday.

  3. That bakery is brilliant. You try their pies.

Lesson 32 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: I have to ...Back to the course

–Right

Each point

A. should and shouldn't–Not checkedB. I think ... should, I don't think ... should–Not checkedC. must is stronger; ought to–Not checked