Complete Guide to Using “You should + (verb)” in English

The phrase “You should + verb” is used to give advice, make recommendations, or suggest obligations. This common construction helps in offering guidance or sharing what you believe is the right thing to do.

“You should” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
1	You should go to bed.	आपको सो जाना चाहिए।	Health advice
2	You should do your homework before going outside.	आपको बाहर जाने से पहले होमवर्क कर लेना चाहिए।	Academic advice
3	You should replace your headlights on your car.	आपको अपनी कार के हेडलाइट्स बदल लेने चाहिए।	Vehicle maintenance
4	You should request a raise at work.	आपको काम पर वेतनवृद्धि माँगनी चाहिए।	Career advice
5	You should stop smoking.	आपको धूम्रपान छोड़ देना चाहिए।	Health recommendation
6	You should smile more.	आपको और मुस्कुराना चाहिए।	Social suggestion
7	You should slow down when driving in a neighborhood.	आपको मोहल्ले में गाड़ी धीमी चलानी चाहिए।	Safety advice
8	You should talk to him about it.	आपको उससे इस बारे में बात कर लेनी चाहिए।	Relationship advice
9	You should train your dog.	आपको अपने कुत्ते को ट्रेन करना चाहिए।	Pet care advice
10	You should trust what they say.	आपको उनकी बात पर भरोसा करना चाहिए।	Trust suggestion

Expanded Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
11	You should drink more water.	आपको और पानी पीना चाहिए।
12	You should visit a doctor.	आपको डॉक्टर के पास जाना चाहिए।
13	You should save some money.	आपको कुछ पैसे बचाने चाहिए।
14	You should apologize to her.	आपको उससे माफ़ी माँग लेनी चाहिए।
15	You should try this dish.	आपको यह व्यंजन ज़रूर आज़माना चाहिए।

Alternative Forms with Similar Meaning

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	It would be good if you exercised regularly.	अच्छा होगा अगर आप नियमित व्यायाम करें।
2	I recommend that you read this book.	मेरा सुझाव है कि आप यह किताब पढ़ें।
3	You ought to consider all options.	आपको सभी विकल्पों पर विचार करना चाहिए।

Key Grammar Rules

• Structure:
  • “You should” + base verb
  •  Correct: “You should call your mother.”
  •  Incorrect: “You should to call your mother.”
• Negative Form:
  • “You shouldn’t eat so much sugar.”
  • Example of advice against something
• Question Form:
  • “Should I call the doctor?”
  • For seeking advice

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 “You should to go now.”
 “You should go now.” (no “to” after “should”)

 “You should going to the party.”
 “You should go to the party.” (use base verb form)

 “You should calls her.”
 “You should call her.” (no “s” after modal verbs)

Cultural Usage Notes

• Politeness Levels:
  • Can sound direct in some cultures (soften with “maybe” or “perhaps”)
• Workplace Usage:
  • More formal alternatives: “It might be advisable to…”
• Indian Context:
  • Often used with “only” for emphasis (“You should try only”)
  • Sometimes considered too direct (prefer “You could try…”)