Giving advice and making suggestions

GIVING ADVICE AND MAKING SUGGESTIONS

By Lilian Marchesoni

For strong advice, should is used to say what is the right thing or a good thing to do.

For strong advice, should is used to say what is the right thing or a good thing to do.

You should go to

bed earlier.

I’m always tired!

Use shouldn’t to say that it’s not a good thing to do or it’s not the right thing.

Use shouldn’t to say that it’s not a good thing to do or it’s not the right thing.

You shouldn’t play

with lighters.

For strong advice, you can also use “need to” to say what is necessary and you can use imperatives.

You need to

eat all your food.

Eat all your food!

Use the expressions “Why don’t you…?” and “It’s a good idea to…” to make suggestions. They are usually softer than should and need to.

Why don’t you

pull over?

Use could to make a suggestion or to say what is possible or a good idea

It’s a good idea

to keep your word!

We could create

more programs.

YOUR TURN!

When you play tennis, you ___________ the ball.

• When you play tennis, you ___________ the ball.
• You look tired. You ________ to bed.
• You __________ your teeth after every meal.
• The museum is very interesting. You _________ it.
• When you are driving, you _________ a seat-belt.
• It’s a good book. You _________ it.

should watch

should go

should brush

should visit

should wear

should read

CLEAN

GO

READ

VISIT

WATCH

WEAR

Use should + a verb to complete the sentences.