033 : should 1

   A   

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)

 

 

   B   

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)

 

 

   C   

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.

 

 

   D   

Ought to ...  // [ˈɔːt tə]

 

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.