Meaning
The use of shouldn’t or should not means the speaker is providing guidance that the action you are about to take is ill-advised.
Today’s Sentences
- You shouldn’t work so hard.
- You shouldn’t be so late all the time.
- You shouldn’t eat with your mouth open.
- You shouldn’t have to pay for everything.
- You shouldn’t ride your bike across the road.
- Writer’s Note
01
You shouldn’t work so hard.
Situation 1
I haven’t seen you at home for the past three days.
I’ve been at work and crashing at a friends’ house nearby.
You shouldn’t work so hard.
Overwork won’t buy you happiness.
I know.
Just gotta close this one account and then I’ll ask for some time off.
Situation 2
Gosh, your nose is bleeding.
Here’s a tissue.
Thanks.
I’ve been staying up late this past week to complete this project on time.
You shouldn’t work so hard.
Well, you know what they say.
There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.
02
You shouldn’t be so late all the time.
Situation 1
Are you on your way?
I’m almost there.
Sorry for making you wait.
You shouldn’t be so late all the time.
I’ve been here for an hour.
I’m not late all the time.
And I tried my best to leave the house earlier.
Situation 2
You shouldn’t be so late all the time.
This again?
When have I been so late that I made you wait.
Today!
You were late today!
A person can be late once in a while.
03
You shouldn’t eat with your mouth open.
Situation 1
You shouldn’t eat with your mouth open.
Was I?
Yes, you were.
Mind your manners, please.
I had no idea, I didn’t mean to.
Sorry about that.
Situation 2
This is so tasty.
I agree.
It’s very delicious.
Can I just tell you something?
You shouldn’t eat with your mouth open.
If I don’t open my mouth, how can I eat?
04
You shouldn’t have to pay for everything.
Situation 1
So I’m taking my girlfriend to Hawaii over the summer.
That’s great!
How about our trip next year?
I’m not too sure.
The Hawaii trip is gonna cost me quite a bit.
You shouldn’t have to pay for everything.
Situation 2
You shouldn’t have to pay for everything.
You’re right.
But, do you know what happens if I don’t?
People call you stingy and cheap?
Exactly.
What’s a guy to do?
05
You shouldn’t ride your bike across the road.
Situation 1
You shouldn’t ride your bike across the road.
Why?
It’s safer to walk your bike across to avoid crashing into a vehicle and other people.
What’s the point of riding a bike then?
Situation 2
Hey, how did you get home so fast?
I rode my bike.
You know, you shouldn’t ride your bike across the road.
But it’s such a hassle to get off your bike and walk it all the way across.
Writer’s Note
Should is used to give suggestions, advice, recommendations, or to express what we think is right or wrong. So naturally should not is used to express prohibition, absence of obligation, or to emphasize something.
Can you think of a time that you advised someone NOT to do something? At times, lot of what is said ends up being unwanted advice. But only because we care, right? To compare, here are some examples of should and should not sentences:
Should Examples:
- You should wear layers during winter.
- She should go to school earlier.
- He should eat healthier.
- We should go to the park.
- They should be more careful.
Should not Examples:
- You shouldn’t spend so much money.
- She shouldn’t dress so seductively for work.
- He shouldn’t try so hard to impress her.
- We shouldn’t judge anybody but ourselves.
- They shouldn’t back down in their beliefs.
What should or should not examples can you think of? Practice them, write them down, ask your friends, send us a message! Anything to get the ball rolling. You got this!⚡
