We give advice when we tell someone what is a good idea or a bad idea.
In English, we can give advice in different ways:
- should / shouldn’t
- If I were you, I’d…
- could (soft suggestion)
- ought to (strong or formal advice)
1. SHOULD / SHOULDN’T
We use should to say something is a good idea.
We use shouldn’t to say something is a bad idea.
| Type | Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + should + base verb | You should drink more water. | Good idea |
| Negative | Subject + shouldn’t + base verb | You shouldn’t stay up so late. | Bad idea |
| Question | Should + subject + base verb? | Should I talk to him? | Asking for advice |
More examples:
- You should take a break.
- You shouldn’t ignore your health.
- Should I call the doctor?
Grammar tip: Use the base form after should / shouldn’t.
✔ You should go.
✘ You should to go.
2. IF I WERE YOU, I’D…
We use this to give polite, indirect advice.
It means: This is what I would do in your situation.
| Type | Structure | Example | Use / Meaning |
|---|
| Positive | If I were you, I’d + base verb | If I were you, I’d change jobs. | Friendly suggestion |
| Negative | If I were you, I wouldn’t + base verb | If I were you, I wouldn’t wait. | Friendly warning |
More examples:
- If I were you, I’d talk to her.
- If I were you, I’d save some money.
- If I were you, I wouldn’t buy it now.
3. COULD (Soft Advice)
We use could to give a suggestion, not strong advice.
| Type | Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suggestion | You could + base verb | You could try meditation. | A possible option |
| Extra option | You could also + base verb | You could also ask a friend. | Another idea |
More examples:
- You could get help online.
- You could take a break this weekend.
- You could also email customer service.
4. OUGHT TO
Ought to is similar to should, but sounds stronger or more formal.
| Type | Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | You ought to + base verb | You ought to apologise. | Strong advice |
| Negative | You ought not to + base verb | You ought not to lie. | Strong warning |
More examples:
- You ought to take this seriously.
- You ought to tell the truth.
- You ought not to ignore the doctor.
🔍 Compare the Four Forms
| Meaning | Softer | Stronger |
|---|---|---|
| Polite suggestion | You could talk to her. | — |
| Friendly advice | You should talk to her. | You ought to talk to her. |
| Empathetic advice | If I were you, I’d talk to her. | — |
✅ Use could for options
✅ Use should for normal advice
✅ Use ought to for strong advice
✅ Use If I were you… to sound kind and personal
💬 PRONUNCIATION TIP
| Word / phrase | Natural pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| should | /ʃʊd/ → “shud” | “o” and “l” are silent |
| shouldn’t | /ˈʃʊdənt/ → “shu-duhnt” | “t” is very soft |
| could | /kʊd/ → “kud” | “l” is silent |
| ought to | /ˈɔːtə/ → “aw-tuh” | “gh” is silent, “to” sounds like “tuh” |
Practice saying:
- You should rest.
- You shouldn’t worry.
- You could try again.
- You ought to be more careful.
Other ways to ask for and give advice
Let’s practice!
Practice 1
Practice 2
Practice 3
Speaking
Practice 1
Practice 2