You
should do something = it is a good thing to do or the right thing to do. You can use
should to give advice or to give an opinion:
- You look tired. You should go to bed.
- The government should do more to improve education.
- 'Should we invite Stephanie to the party?' 'Yes, I think we should.'
We often use
should with
I think /
I don't think /
Do you think ... ?:
- I think the government should do more to improve education.
- I don't think you should work so hard.
- 'Do you think I should apply for this job?' 'Yes, I think you should.'
You
shouldn't do something = it isn't a good thing to do:
- You shouldn't believe everything you read in the newspapers.
Should is not as strong as
must or have to:
- You should apologise. (= it would be a good thing to do)
- You must apologise. / You have to apologise. (= you have no alternative)
You can use
should when something is not right or what you expect:
- Where's Tina? She should be here by now.
(= she isn't here yet, and this is not normal) - The price on this packet is wrong. It should be £2.50, not £3.50.
- That man on the motorbike should be wearing a helmet.
We also use
should to say that we expect something to happen:
- Helen has been studying hard for the exam, so she should pass.
(= I expect her to pass) - There are plenty of hotels in the town. It shouldn't be hard to find a place to stay.
(= I don't expect it to be hard)
You
should have done something = you didn't do it, but it would have been the right thing to do:
- You missed a great party last night. You should have come. Why didn't you?
(= you didn't come, but it would have been good to come) - I wonder why they're so late. They should have got here long ago.
You
shouldn't have done something = you did it, but it was the wrong thing to do:
- I'm feeling sick. I shouldn't have eaten so much. (= I ate too much)
- She shouldn't have been listening to our conversation. It was private.
(= she was listening)
Compare
should (do) and
should have (done):
- You look tired. You should go to bed now.
- You went to bed very late last night. You should have gone to bed earlier.
Ought to ...
You can use
ought to instead of
should in the sentences on this page. We say 'ought
to do' (with
to):
- Do you think I ought to apply for this job? (= Do you think I should apply ... ?)
- Jack ought not to go to bed so late. (= Jack shouldn't go ... )
- It was a great party last night. You ought to have come.
- Helen has been studying hard for the exam, so she ought to pass.
