Should and Shouldn’t: Examples & Exercises

We use should and shouldn’t to say what is a good idea (should) or bad idea (shouldn’t). We give advice and recommendations. In addition, we also use should to talk about the right thing to do. Check the infographic below.

Choose the topics below for more examples or exercises. If you want something more advanced, check Modals of Advice.

Advice (what is a good idea)

We use should to give advice. This means we help someone make a good decision. We often use this when someone has a problem, or we want to help. Example:

• You should drink more water.
• You should go to bed earlier.

We can also express what is a bad decision:

• You shouldn’t eat too much sugar.
• You shouldn’t stay up too late.

Recommendation (suggestions)

We use should to recommend something. This is when we suggest something nice or useful. Example:

• You should try this restaurant.
• You should watch this movie.

This is similar to advice, but:

• advice = help with a problem
• recommendation = suggestion

Mild obligation (the right thing to do)

We use should to say what is the right or correct thing to do. Example:

• Students should do their homework.
• Drivers should stop at red lights.
• We should keep our city clean.

This is not a strong rule (like must), but it is important.

Expectation (what we think will happen)

We sometimes use should to talk about something we expect. This means we think something will happen, but we are not sure. Example:

• The bus should arrive soon.
• The results should be ready later today.

Should and Shouldn’t Exercises

EXERCISE: Should / Shouldn’t – choose the right sentence

Choose the correct sentence according to the picture.

1 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

She should take an umbrella?

Should she take an umbrella?

Should she taking an umbrella?

2 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

You shouldn't spend so much time on your phone.

You should to spend so much time on your phone.

You shouldn't to spend so much time on your phone.

3 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

You should going to bed too late.

You shouldn't go to bed too late.

You shouldn't to go to bed too late.

4 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

You have a headache. You should take a break.

You have a headache. You should taking a break.

You have a headache. You shouldn't take a break.

5 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

Should he call a doctor?

Should he to call a doctor?

He should call a doctor?

6 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

You should drink more water during the day.

You shouldn't drink more water during the day.

You should drinking more water during the day.

7 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

You shouldn't eat too many candies.

You shouldn't eating too many candies.

You shouldn't to eat too many candies.

8 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

Should drivers to stop at the red light?

Drivers should stop at the red light.

Drivers shouldn't stopping at the red light.

9 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

It's cold outside. You should wearing a jacket.

It's cold outside. You should to wear a jacket.

It's cold outside. You should wear a jacket.

10 / 10

Choose the correct sentence:

Should I opening the window?

I should open the window?

Should I open the window?

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