Meaning
‘What should I’ is used to say or suggest that something is the proper, reasonable, or best thing to do. It’s a great way to show that you’re open to advice or suggestions.
Today’s Sentences
- What should I eat?
- What should I buy?
- What should I wear?
- What should I watch?
- What should I bring?
- Writer’s Note
01
What should I eat?
Situation 1
I’m so hungry.
Why don’t you order something?
What should I eat?
Pizza?
Situation 2
What should I eat?
What do you feel like?
A big chunk of meat.
We should go to the store then.
02
What should I buy?
Situation 1
Since it’s your birthday, shopping is on me.
Really?
What should I buy?
Buy something expensive.
No, I want to buy nice things when I can afford to on my own.
Situation 2
What should I buy?
Are you having a hard time deciding?
It’s the last day of our trip and I want to get something memorable.
Well, memorable doesn’t mean it has to be a souvenir.
It can be something you use everyday but will make you happy and remember the trip.
03
What should I wear?
Situation 1
What should I wear?
I’m struggling to find an outfit for today as well.
The weather is pouring!
Maybe we should just wear a basic outfit and invest in some rain boots on our way out?
Situation 2
What should I wear?
You have tons of clothes.
But I need to look good at this wedding.
Is it because your ex will be there?
04
What should I watch?
Situation 1
What should I watch?
I noticed a few new movies.
Or we could watch a documentary.
This documentary looks good.
Let me get some popcorn and we’ll watch it together.
Situation 2
What should I watch?
How about not watching anything.
I feel like watching all these shorts is turning into a habit.
Why don’t you try a digital detox?
05
What should I bring?
Situation 1
What should I bring?
Don’t pack anything.
What?
But we’re going on vacation.
Let’s be spontaneous and just buy everything during our trip.
Situation 2
Wanna have a picnic?
Sure.
What should I bring?
I’ll prepare the food, do you wanna buy a bottle of wine?
Sounds great!
Writer’s Note
Asking for Advice
In English, one way to ask for advice is using the modal verb SHOULD.
Should you + verb…?
- Should I go home?
- Should we buy a new car?
- Should she ask for a raise?
- Should he tryout for the team?
- Should they be granted a visit?
Giving Advice
I think you should + verb.
- I think you should eat.
- I think we should talk.
- I think she should quit.
- I think he should study.
- I think they should confess.
These are some ways to use ‘should‘ in a sentence whether you’re giving or receiving advice.
