How to Give Advice With the "Should" Verb

Giving advice refers to when we tell other people what we think could help
them. The most common way to give advice is by using the modal
verb 'should'. There are also other forms including, 'ought to' and 'had better'
which are more formal. You can also use the second conditional to give advice.

There are a number of formulas used when giving advice in English. Here are
some of the most common:

 You should see a doctor.

 I don't think you should work so hard

 You ought to work less.

 You ought not to work so hard.
 If I were you, I'd work less.
 If I were in your position, I'd work less.
 If I were in your shoes, I'd work less.
 You had better work less.
 You shouldn't work so hard.
 Whatever you do, don't work so hard.

Advice Construction

Formula Verb Form

I don't think you Use 'I don't think you should' the base form of the
should work so hard. verb in a statement.
You ought to work less. Use 'You ought to' the base form of the verb in a
statement.
You ought not to work so Use 'You ought not to' the base form of the verb in a
hard. statement.
If I were you, Use 'If I were' 'you' OR 'in your position' OR 'your
If I were in your shoes' 'I wouldn't' OR 'I would' base form of the verb
position, in a statement (A form of the conditional 2).
If I were in your
shoes, I wouldn't work so
hard.
You had better work less.Use 'You had better' (you'd better) the base form of
the verb in a statement.
You shouldn't OR You Use 'You should' OR 'You shouldn't' the base form of
should work less. the verb in a statement.
Whatever you do, don't Use 'Whatever you do' the imperative.
work so hard.