Common mistake: “You should to try the fish.” — Correct: “You should try the fish.”
We use 'should' to give advice and suggestions; should + the base verb (no 'to').
should — advice
Form
Example
Affirmative
You should rest
Negative
You shouldn't smoke
Question
Should I go?
Short answer
Yes, you should.
try the local dish — probar el plato típico
book a table — reservar mesa
arrive early — llegar temprano
order dessert — pedir postre
ask the waiter — preguntar al mesero
leave a tip — dejar propina
You should try the local food. We should book a table for tonight.
You should arrive early because it gets busy.
You shouldn't arrive late, and you shouldn't forget the tip.
We shouldn't order too much food.
Should I order dessert? What should we try first?
Should we ask the waiter for a recommendation?
Should I book a table? Yes, you should.
Should we skip dessert? No, you shouldn't.
Practice
You look tired. You ___ rest. (should, should to, shoulds)
After 'should', we use the base verb without 'to'.
At this restaurant, you should ___ the arepas — they're amazing.
It's very popular, so you should ___ a table in advance.
The dessert is huge. You ___ order two! (negative)
Find the mistake: You should to try the fish.
You rest. — Give advice with 'should'.
You should arrive early. — Turn it into a question.
Give one suggestion for your favourite restaurant. (Use 'You should...')
Listening
Kenji: I want to take Sofía to a nice restaurant. Any advice?
Ben: Yes! You should book a table early.
Kenji: Good idea. What should we order?
Ben: You should try the local dish. It's the best!
Kenji: And dessert?
Ben: You shouldn't skip it! But you shouldn't forget to leave a tip.
Reading
Ben loves giving advice about restaurants. 'Here are my five rules,' he says. 'You should book a table. You should arrive early. You should try the local dish. You should ask the waiter for a recommendation. And you should always leave a tip!' Kenji writes it all down. 'What shouldn't I do?' he asks. Ben smiles. 'You shouldn't order too much — save room for dessert!'