💡 What Is “Advice”?

We give advice to tell people what is a good idea or a bad idea.
You can give advice in two ways:

• with should / shouldn’t
• with imperatives

🌟 SHOULD

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 form	You should practice English every day.	It’s a good idea.
❌ Negative	Subject + shouldn’t + base form	You shouldn’t use ChatGPT in the exam.	It’s not a good idea.
❓ Question	Should + subject + base form	Should I study today?	Asking for advice.

More examples:

• You should eat more vegetables.
• You shouldn’t go to bed too late.
• Should I call my teacher?

Tip:
After should / shouldn’t, use the base form of the verb (no to).

❌ You should to go → ✅ You should go

💪 IMPERATIVES

We can also give advice using imperatives — the base form of the verb.
Imperatives sound more direct, like instructions.

Type	Structure	Example	Meaning
✅ Positive	Base form + (rest of sentence)	Work hard!	A direct suggestion.
❌ Negative	Don’t / Never + base form	Don’t lie to your parents.	A warning
✅❌ With adverbs	Always/ Never + base form	Always be kind! Never lie!	Strong advice.

More examples:

• Practice English every day.
• Be on time.
• Don’t forget your homework.
• Never give up.

Tip: Imperatives don’t use “you.”

❌ You study hard. → ✅ Study hard.

🔍 Compare: Should vs Imperative

Meaning	Softer	Stronger
Give friendly advice	You should eat healthy food.	—
Give clear instructions	—	Eat healthy food.

✅ Use should / shouldn’t for friendly or polite advice.
✅ Use imperatives for strong or direct advice.

💬 PRONUNCIATION TIP

Many learners read should and shouldn’t incorrectly. Let’s see how we say them naturally in English:

We write	We say	Notes
should	/ʃʊd/ → “shud”	The o and l are silent. one syllable
shouldn’t	/ˈʃʊ dənt/ → “shu-duhnt”	The o and l are silent. The t is very soft or sometimes not pronounced. two syllables

❌ Not: “shoold” or “chould” or “shouwu”
✅ Say: “shud”

Try repeating:

• I should study today.
• You shouldn’t stay up late.

Tip: Practice saying both words quickly and smoothly. They often connect naturally in sentences!

Let’s Practice

Practice 1

Practice 2

Speaking

Practice 1