1. Introduction to “Should”
The word “should” is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. Native speakers use it constantly to:
- Give advice
- Express obligation
- Talk about expectations
- Express regret about the past
By mastering “should,” you can communicate more effectively and sound more natural in English.
What You Will Learn
- How to use “should” in the present, past, and future
- How to form positive, negative, and question sentences
- How to use “should have” for past regret
- How to give advice confidently
- How to avoid common mistakes
Word Meaning Section
| Word / Phrase | English Meaning | Bengali Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Should | modal verb for advice or obligation | উচিত |
| Advice | recommendation or guidance | উপদেশ |
| Obligation | something you must do | বাধ্যবাধকতা |
| Expectation | belief that something will happen | প্রত্যাশা |
| Regret | feeling sorry about something | অনুশোচনা |
2. What Is a Modal Verb?
Should is a modal verb (also called a helping verb). This means it cannot be used alone; it must be used with another verb.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I should today. | I should study today. |
| She should now. | She should work now. |
| They should later. | They should call later. |
8 Examples with Explanations
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I should study today. | “Should” + base verb “study.” |
| 2 | You should work harder. | “Should” + base verb “work.” |
| 3 | She should sleep early. | “Should” + base verb “sleep.” |
| 4 | We should eat dinner. | “Should” + base verb “eat.” |
| 5 | They should call the doctor. | “Should” + base verb “call.” |
| 6 | He should exercise more. | “Should” + base verb “exercise.” |
| 7 | I should apologize. | “Should” + base verb “apologize.” |
| 8 | She should help him. | “Should” + base verb “help.” |
| 9 | We should leave now. | “Should” + base verb “leave.” |
| 10 | You should listen carefully. | “Should” + base verb “listen.” |
Key Rule
Should + base form of the verb
The verb after “should” is always in the base form (no -s, -ed, or -ing).
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| He should study. | He should studies. |
| She should work. | She should working. |
| They should go. | They should went. |
3. Should in the Present Tense
The Rule
Use “should” + base verb to talk about the present.
Structure
Subject + should + base verb
8 Examples with Explanations
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I should study today. | Present advice to self. |
| 2 | You should stop smoking. | Present advice. |
| 3 | She should eat healthier. | Present recommendation. |
| 4 | They should take a break. | Present suggestion. |
| 5 | He should be more careful. | Present advice. |
| 6 | We should call our parents. | Present obligation. |
| 7 | She should exercise regularly. | Present advice. |
| 8 | You should drink more water. | Present recommendation. |
| 9 | I should finish my work. | Present obligation. |
| 10 | He should apologize to her. | Present advice. |
8 Negative Examples
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I shouldn’t eat so much. | Negative advice to self. |
| 2 | You shouldn’t smoke. | Negative advice. |
| 3 | She shouldn’t stay up late. | Negative recommendation. |
| 4 | They shouldn’t argue. | Negative advice. |
| 5 | He shouldn’t drive fast. | Negative warning. |
| 6 | We shouldn’t waste time. | Negative advice. |
| 7 | She shouldn’t worry so much. | Negative reassurance. |
| 8 | You shouldn’t forget your keys. | Negative reminder. |
| 9 | I shouldn’t spend too much. | Negative advice to self. |
| 10 | He shouldn’t shout at people. | Negative advice. |
4. Should in the Future Tense
The Rule
Use “should” + base verb to talk about the future. The structure is the same as the present.
Structure
Subject + should + base verb
8 Examples with Explanations
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I should study tomorrow. | Future plan. |
| 2 | You should call her next week. | Future advice. |
| 3 | She should arrive by noon. | Future expectation. |
| 4 | They should finish the project next month. | Future prediction. |
| 5 | He should visit the doctor soon. | Future advice. |
| 6 | We should meet next Friday. | Future suggestion. |
| 7 | She should graduate next year. | Future expectation. |
| 8 | You should apply for the job tomorrow. | Future advice. |
| 9 | I should travel more next year. | Future plan. |
| 10 | They should announce the results soon. | Future expectation. |
8 Negative Examples
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I shouldn’t work tomorrow. | Negative future plan. |
| 2 | You shouldn’t go there alone. | Negative future advice. |
| 3 | She shouldn’t leave so early. | Negative future suggestion. |
| 4 | They shouldn’t spend too much next month. | Negative future advice. |
| 5 | He shouldn’t drive tomorrow. | Negative future warning. |
| 6 | We shouldn’t wait too long. | Negative future advice. |
| 7 | She shouldn’t forget the meeting. | Negative future reminder. |
| 8 | You shouldn’t miss the deadline. | Negative future warning. |
| 9 | I shouldn’t procrastinate. | Negative future intention. |
| 10 | They shouldn’t cancel the trip. | Negative future advice. |
5. Should in the Past Tense: Should Have
The Rule
Use “should have” + past participle to talk about the past, especially to express regret.
Structure
Subject + should have + past participle
8 Examples with Explanations
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I should have studied yesterday. | Regret about not studying. |
| 2 | She should have called you on time. | Regret about late call. |
| 3 | They should have thanked you. | Regret about not thanking. |
| 4 | He should have apologized. | Regret about not apologizing. |
| 5 | I should have helped you. | Regret about not helping. |
| 6 | We should have left earlier. | Regret about leaving late. |
| 7 | She should have told me. | Regret about not telling. |
| 8 | You should have asked for help. | Regret about not asking. |
| 9 | I should have known better. | Regret about poor judgment. |
| 10 | They should have bought a cake. | Regret about not buying. |
8 Negative Examples
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I shouldn’t have forgotten your birthday. | Regret about forgetting. |
| 2 | She shouldn’t have shouted at you. | Regret about shouting. |
| 3 | They shouldn’t have spent so much. | Regret about overspending. |
| 4 | He shouldn’t have hurt your feelings. | Regret about hurting. |
| 5 | I shouldn’t have taken so long. | Regret about being slow. |
| 6 | You shouldn’t have said anything. | Regret about speaking. |
| 7 | She shouldn’t have arrived so late. | Regret about lateness. |
| 8 | We shouldn’t have cancelled the trip. | Regret about cancelling. |
| 9 | He shouldn’t have lied to you. | Regret about lying. |
| 10 | I shouldn’t have eaten so much. | Regret about overeating. |
Word Meaning Section
| Word / Phrase | English Meaning | Bengali Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Regret | feeling sorry about something | অনুশোচনা |
| Past participle | the form of a verb used with “have” | অতীত ক্রিয়া রূপ |
| Apologize | to say sorry | ক্ষমা চাওয়া |
| Rehearse | to practice a performance | মহড়া দেওয়া |
6. Giving Advice with Should
The Rule
Use “should” to give advice to yourself or others.
8 Examples with Explanations
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You should stop smoking. | Advice to another person. |
| 2 | I should exercise more. | Advice to self. |
| 3 | They should invite her to the party. | Advice about social situation. |
| 4 | She should see a doctor. | Health advice. |
| 5 | He should study harder. | Academic advice. |
| 6 | You should save money. | Financial advice. |
| 7 | We should take a vacation. | Lifestyle advice. |
| 8 | She should learn English. | Language advice. |
| 9 | He should get more sleep. | Health advice. |
| 10 | You should read more books. | Educational advice. |
8 Negative Advice Examples
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You shouldn’t worry so much. | Reassurance. |
| 2 | She shouldn’t skip breakfast. | Health advice. |
| 3 | He shouldn’t drive so fast. | Safety advice. |
| 4 | They shouldn’t argue in public. | Social advice. |
| 5 | I shouldn’t spend so much money. | Financial advice to self. |
| 6 | You shouldn’t stay up all night. | Health advice. |
| 7 | She shouldn’t trust strangers. | Safety advice. |
| 8 | He shouldn’t interrupt others. | Social advice. |
| 9 | We shouldn’t waste food. | Ethical advice. |
| 10 | You shouldn’t be late. | Punctuality advice. |
7. Expressing Obligation and Expectation
Obligation
Use “should” to express something that is necessary or expected.
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You should do your taxes. | Legal obligation. |
| 2 | Students should submit their homework. | Academic obligation. |
| 3 | Employees should arrive on time. | Workplace obligation. |
| 4 | Drivers should wear seatbelts. | Legal obligation. |
| 5 | You should pay your bills. | Financial obligation. |
| 6 | Citizens should vote. | Civic duty. |
| 7 | You should follow the rules. | General obligation. |
| 8 | Patients should take their medicine. | Health obligation. |
| 9 | You should respect your elders. | Social obligation. |
| 10 | Everyone should recycle. | Environmental obligation. |
Expectation
Use “should” to express something you expect to happen.
| # | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You should arrive in half an hour. | Expectation about travel. |
| 2 | The package should be here by Friday. | Expectation about delivery. |
| 3 | She should pass the exam. | Expectation about results. |
| 4 | The weather should improve tomorrow. | Expectation about weather. |
| 5 | He should be home by now. | Expectation about arrival. |
| 6 | The train should arrive at 6 p.m. | Expectation about schedule. |
| 7 | The movie should be good. | Expectation about quality. |
| 8 | The price should drop next month. | Expectation about price. |
| 9 | She should get the promotion. | Expectation about work. |
| 10 | The meeting should end by noon. | Expectation about time. |
8. Regular and Irregular Past Participles
Regular Verbs
| Base Verb | Past Participle | Example |
|---|---|---|
| work | worked | I should have worked. |
| study | studied | She should have studied. |
| rehearse | rehearsed | I should have rehearsed. |
| arrive | arrived | She should have arrived early. |
| shout | shouted | He shouldn’t have shouted. |
| call | called | I should have called. |
| help | helped | I should have helped. |
| thank | thanked | You should have thanked her. |
Irregular Verbs
| Base Verb | Past Participle | Example |
|---|---|---|
| do | done | Jack should have done his homework. |
| spend | spent | They shouldn’t have spent so much. |
| meet | met | We should have met them. |
| know | known | I should have known better. |
| buy | bought | We should have bought a cake. |
| take | taken | I shouldn’t have taken so long. |
| say | said | You shouldn’t have said anything. |
| go | gone | I should have gone there. |
| see | seen | She should have seen it. |
| eat | eaten | I shouldn’t have eaten so much. |
Word Meaning Section
| Word | English Meaning | Bengali Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Past participle | verb form used with have | অতীত ক্রিয়া রূপ |
| Regular verb | verb with -ed past form | নিয়মিত ক্রিয়া |
| Irregular verb | verb with changing forms | অনিয়মিত ক্রিয়া |
9. Grammar Focus: Affirmative, Negative, and Interrogative Forms
Affirmative Sentences
| Tense | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | Subject + should + base verb | I should study. |
| Past | Subject + should have + past participle | I should have studied. |
| Future | Subject + should + base verb | I should study tomorrow. |
Negative Sentences
| Tense | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | Subject + shouldn’t + base verb | I shouldn’t worry. |
| Past | Subject + shouldn’t have + past participle | I shouldn’t have worried. |
| Future | Subject + shouldn’t + base verb | I shouldn’t worry tomorrow. |
Interrogative Sentences
| Tense | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | Should + subject + base verb? | Should I study? |
| Past | Should + subject + have + past participle? | Should I have studied? |
| Future | Should + subject + base verb? | Should I study tomorrow? |
5 WH-Question Examples with Answers
| # | WH Question | Possible Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What should I do? | You should talk to your boss. |
| 2 | When should we leave? | You should leave by 8 a.m. |
| 3 | Why should she apologize? | She should apologize because she was wrong. |
| 4 | Who should I contact? | You should contact customer service. |
| 5 | How should I prepare? | You should review your notes. |
10. Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Error 1: Using “Should” Alone
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I should today. | I should study today. |
| She should now. | She should work now. |
Error 2: Adding -s to the Verb After Should
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| He should studies. | He should study. |
| She should works. | She should work. |
Error 3: Using -ing After Should
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I should studying. | I should study. |
| They should working. | They should work. |
Error 4: Wrong Past Tense After Should Have
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I should have studied. | I should have studied. (Correct) |
| I should have study. | I should have studied. (Wrong) |
| She should have went. | She should have gone. |
| They should have did. | They should have done. |
Error 5: Using “To” After Should
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I should to go. | I should go. |
| She should to call. | She should call. |
Error 6: Confusing “Should” and “Must”
| Should | Must |
|---|---|
| I should call her. (advice) | I must call her. (stronger obligation) |
| You should see a doctor. (suggestion) | You must see a doctor. (strong necessity) |
11. Special Tips for Learners
Tip 1: Remember the Base Verb Rule
Always use the base form of the verb after “should”:
✅ I should study.
❌ I should studied.
Tip 2: Use “Should Have” for Past Regret
For past situations, use “should have + past participle”:
I should have called you.
Tip 3: Learn Irregular Past Participles
Memorize common irregular verbs:
| Base | Past Participle |
|---|---|
| do | done |
| go | gone |
| see | seen |
| eat | eaten |
| take | taken |
| buy | bought |
| know | known |
| meet | met |
Tip 4: Use “Shouldn’t Have” for Regret
I shouldn’t have eaten so much.
Tip 5: Practice with Personal Examples
Write three sentences about what you should do tomorrow and three about what you should have done yesterday.
Tip 6: Listen for “Should” in Conversations
Notice how native speakers use “should” in movies, podcasts, and conversations.
Tip 7: Use “Should” for Polite Advice
“Should” is softer than “must”:
You should consider the offer. (polite)
You must accept the offer. (strong)
Tip 8: Use “Should” for Expectations
The train should arrive at 6 p.m.
Tip 9: Practice Short Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Should I call him? | Yes, you should. |
| Should we leave now? | No, we shouldn’t. |
| Should she apologize? | Yes, she should. |
Tip 10: Write Sentences with Both Forms
I should study more. I should have studied more last year.
12. Tips for Competitive Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE
IELTS
| Skill | How It Is Tested | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Task 2 | Expressing opinions and advice. | Use “should” for recommendations. |
| Speaking Part 3 | Discussing social issues. | Use “should” for opinions about society. |
| Writing Task 1 | Describing trends. | Use “should” for future predictions. |
TOEFL
| Skill | How It Is Tested | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Conversations with advice. | Recognize “should” for recommendations. |
| Speaking | Expressing opinions. | Use “should” for suggestions. |
| Writing | Integrated writing. | Use “should” for recommendations. |
GRE
| Skill | How It Is Tested | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | Issue essays. | Use “should” for recommendations and opinions. |
| Text Completion | Vocabulary and grammar. | Recognize “should have” structures. |
Exam Rules
- Use “should + base verb” for present and future.
- Use “should have + past participle” for past.
- Avoid adding -s or -ing to the verb after “should.”
- Use “should” for polite advice and recommendations.
- Use “should have” to express regret in speaking and writing.
13. Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
- Jack ______ (do) his homework. (past)
- I ______ (rehearse) my speech. (past)
- They ______ (spend) so much. (past, negative)
- We ______ (meet) them at 6:00. (past)
- She ______ (arrive) so late. (past, negative)
- I ______ (know) better. (past)
- He ______ (shout) at them. (past, negative)
- We ______ (buy) a cake. (past)
- I ______ (take) so long. (past, negative)
- You ______ (say) anything. (past, negative)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions
Choose the correct sentence.
- Which sentence is correct?
a) I should study today.
b) I should studying today.
c) I should studied today.
d) I should studies today. - Which sentence is correct for the past?
a) I should have studied yesterday.
b) I should studied yesterday.
c) I should have study yesterday.
d) I should studying yesterday. - Which sentence is correct?
a) He should works harder.
b) He should work harder.
c) He should working harder.
d) He should to work harder. - Which sentence is correct?
a) She should have went there.
b) She should have gone there.
c) She should have go there.
d) She should have going there. - Which sentence is correct?
a) They shouldn’t have spent so much.
b) They shouldn’t have spend so much.
c) They shouldn’t have spending so much.
d) They shouldn’t spent so much. - Which sentence is correct?
a) I should to call you.
b) I should call you.
c) I should calling you.
d) I should called you. - Which sentence is correct?
a) You should have known better.
b) You should have knew better.
c) You should have know better.
d) You should have knowing better. - Which sentence is correct for negative past?
a) I shouldn’t have said anything.
b) I shouldn’t have say anything.
c) I shouldn’t have saying anything.
d) I shouldn’t said anything. - Which sentence is correct?
a) We should have bought a cake.
b) We should have buy a cake.
c) We should have buying a cake.
d) We should have buyed a cake. - Which sentence is correct for present advice?
a) You should stop smoking.
b) You should stopping smoking.
c) You should stopped smoking.
d) You should to stop smoking.
Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation / Error Correction
Rewrite each sentence correctly.
- I should studying today.
- She should have went to the meeting.
- He should to call his mother.
- They should have spend more time.
- You shouldn’t have say that.
- I should known better.
- We should have buyed a gift.
- She should works harder.
- He should have did his homework.
- I should to apologize.
14. Answer Key with Explanations
Exercise 1 Answers
- should have done
Explanation: Past tense; irregular verb “do” → “done.” - should have rehearsed
Explanation: Past tense; regular verb add “ed.” - shouldn’t have spent
Explanation: Past negative; irregular “spend” → “spent.” - should have met
Explanation: Past tense; irregular “meet” → “met.” - shouldn’t have arrived
Explanation: Past negative; regular verb add “d.” - should have known
Explanation: Past tense; irregular “know” → “known.” - shouldn’t have shouted
Explanation: Past negative; regular verb add “ed.” - should have bought
Explanation: Past tense; irregular “buy” → “bought.” - shouldn’t have taken
Explanation: Past negative; irregular “take” → “taken.” - shouldn’t have said
Explanation: Past negative; irregular “say” → “said.”
Exercise 2 Answers
- a) I should study today.
Explanation: Base verb after should. - a) I should have studied yesterday.
Explanation: Should have + past participle. - b) He should work harder.
Explanation: Base verb after should. - b) She should have gone there.
Explanation: Irregular “go” → “gone.” - a) They shouldn’t have spent so much.
Explanation: Shouldn’t have + past participle. - b) I should call you.
Explanation: No “to” after should. - a) You should have known better.
Explanation: Irregular “know” → “known.” - a) I shouldn’t have said anything.
Explanation: Shouldn’t have + past participle. - a) We should have bought a cake.
Explanation: Irregular “buy” → “bought.” - a) You should stop smoking.
Explanation: Base verb after should.
Exercise 3 Answers
- I should study today.
Explanation: Base verb after should. - She should have gone to the meeting.
Explanation: Irregular “go” → “gone.” - He should call his mother.
Explanation: No “to” after should. - They should have spent more time.
Explanation: Irregular “spend” → “spent.” - You shouldn’t have said that.
Explanation: Irregular “say” → “said.” - I should have known better.
Explanation: Irregular “know” → “known.” - We should have bought a gift.
Explanation: Irregular “buy” → “bought.” - She should work harder.
Explanation: Base verb after should. - He should have done his homework.
Explanation: Irregular “do” → “done.” - I should apologize.
Explanation: No “to” after should.
15. Conclusion
The modal verb “should” is an essential part of English communication. It allows you to give advice, express obligations, talk about expectations, and express regret about the past.
Key points to remember:
- Should + base verb for present and future
- Should have + past participle for past regret
- Shouldn’t have + past participle for negative past regret
- Use “should” to give advice: “You should study.”
- Use “should” for expectations: “The train should arrive at 6 p.m.”
- Learn irregular past participles: done, gone, seen, eaten, known, bought
- Never add -s, -ed, or -ing to the verb after “should”
By mastering “should,” you can communicate more clearly, give advice confidently, and express yourself with greater precision in both speaking and writing. This knowledge is essential for success in exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE.
Call to Action: Write five sentences using “should” for present advice and five sentences using “should have” for past regret. Practice saying them aloud and review your work with a teacher or study partner.