Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'If + Present Simple' followed by 'should' to give helpful advice based on a specific situation or condition.
- Use Present Simple in the 'if' clause, never 'will' or 'should'. Example: 'If you go...'
- Use 'should' + base verb in the result clause for advice. Example: '...you should call.'
- Use a comma if the 'if' clause comes first; no comma if it comes second.
Overview
should を使った First Conditional（第一条件文）だよ。これは文法界の究極の「頼れる兄貴・姉貴」みたいな存在なんだ。宇宙の法則みたいに絶対的な感じじゃなく、道を提案できる。軽やかで、役に立つ。日常英会話にはまさに必要なやつだね。will を使って100%確実な結果について話すよね。例えば、If you eat that whole pizza, you will feel sick（そのピザ全部食べたら、気持ち悪くなるよ）みたいに。でも時々、未来を予言したいわけじゃない時がある。ありえる状況に基づいて、おすすめを言いたい時だね。そこで will の代わりに should を使うんだ。これで予言がアドバイスに変わる。旅行のヒントや勉強の提案、TikTokの戦略にもってこいだよ。自然に聞こえるようにしたいなら、これが秘密兵器になる。それに、人に「これやれ！」って叫ぶよりずっと感じがいいしね。あ、一つだけ忠告：飼ってる犬には通用しないよ。彼らは君の should を無視して、結局その靴を食べちゃうからね。How This Grammar Works
if の部分。現実的な可能性の舞台を設定するんだ。第2部は「アドバイス」。ここに should が入る。もしその if が本当に起きたら、どうするのがベストかを伝えるわけだね。Second Conditional（こっちは非現実的な夢や空飛ぶ車用）とは違って、First Conditional は現実生活のためのもの。今日や明日にでも実際に起こりうること用だね。「求人（help wanted）」の看板を見たらこれを使う。友達がNetflixで新しい番組を探してるならこれ。現実に即してるんだ。文法界の「役に立つGoogle検索結果」みたいなものかな。
Formation Pattern
If で始める。これがアンカー（基点）になる。
will は使っちゃダメ！ If you will go... じゃなくて If you go... だよ。
If で始めたらコンマを加える。読み手にとっての小さな息継ぎみたいなもの。
you, she, they など）で始める。
should ＋ 動詞の base form（原形）を加える（to も -ing もなし）。
You should call her if you have time. if が真ん中にあればコンマはいらないよ。簡単でしょ？ どっちからでも食べられる文法サンドイッチみたいなもんだね。
When To Use It
If you visit London, you should bring an umbrella（ロンドンに来るなら、傘を持ってきたほうがいいよ）って言える。プロフェッショナルだけどフレンドリーに giving suggestions（提案をする）のにも完璧。If the client calls, you should tell them I'm busy（もしクライアントから電話があったら、忙しいと伝えておいて）。social media captions（SNSのキャプション）でも効果絶大だよ。If you love spicy food, you should definitely try this place!（辛いものが好きなら、絶対ここ試してみて！）基本的に「ライフハック」的な文法ポイントだね。答えを持っていて、それを親切にシェアしてあげる時のためのもの。ただ、教授に「私にAをあげるべきですよ（If you grade my paper, you should give me an A）」なんて言うのに使うのはやめておこう。うまくいかないかもよ。そこは信じて。
Common Mistakes
will」の罠だね。みんなよく If you will go, you should... って言っちゃうけど、ブッブー！ その最初の部分は simple present（現在形）にしておこう。もう一つの大きな間違いは should の後に to をつけちゃうこと。you should go が正解で、you should to go は間違い。小さな単語だけど、学習者にとっては大きな危険信号（red flag）になっちゃう。あと、「コンマ・ドラマ」にも気をつけて。If が文頭なら、コンマを使う。真ん中なら、コンマはなくす。最後に、これを Second Conditional と混同しないこと。If I were you, I should... とは言わない。全然雰囲気が違うからね。LinkedIn のプロフィール写真に TikTok のフィルターを使おうとするみたいなもんで、ムードに合わないんだ。Contrast With Similar Patterns
will を使う場合とどう違うの？ Will は確実な結果について。If you jump in the pool, you will get wet（プールに飛び込んだら、濡れる）。これは物理法則だね。Should は選択について。If you jump in the pool, you should wear goggles（プールに飛び込むなら、ゴーグルをしたほうがいい）。これはおすすめ（recommendation）。片方は事実、もう片方は提案だね。must はどう？ Must は命令だね。If you enter, you must show ID（入るなら身分証を見せなければならない）。これは法律。Should はもっと柔らかい。警備員じゃなくて、友達として接する時の言葉だね。上司とメンターの違いみたいなもの。友達を維持したいなら should を使おう。部屋から人を追い出したいなら must を使おう。Quick FAQ
ネガティブなアドバイスに shouldn't を使ってもいい？
もちろん！ If you're late, you shouldn't run（遅刻してても、走らないほうがいいよ）（外は滑りやすいからね！）。
これってフォーマル？ それともインフォーマル？
両方いける！ Slack のメッセージでも就職面接でも使えるよ。文法界の「ジーンズにきれいめトップス」みたいな万能コーデだね。
might とか could みたいな他の単語も使える？
Yes! でも意味が変わるよ。should はベストなアドバイス。might はただの可能性。
should の後の動詞は主語によって変わる？
No! should は法助動詞（modal）だから。I, he, she, they どれでも形は変わらない。余計な s は不要。ついに文法に平和が訪れたね！
Structure of First Conditional Advice
| Clause Type | Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
If-Clause (Condition)
|
I / You / We / They
|
Present Simple (Base)
|
If you eat...
|
|
If-Clause (Condition)
|
He / She / It
|
Present Simple (+s/es)
|
If he eats...
|
|
Result-Clause (Advice)
|
Any Subject
|
should + Base Verb
|
...you should stop.
|
|
Negative Advice
|
Any Subject
|
shouldn't + Base Verb
|
...you shouldn't go.
|
|
Question Advice
|
Should + Subject
|
Base Verb + if...
|
Should I go if it rains?
|
Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
should not
|
shouldn't
|
Common in speech/informal writing
|
|
I am (in if-clause)
|
I'm
|
Very common
|
|
do not (in if-clause)
|
don't
|
Standard for negative conditions
|
Meanings
A grammatical structure used to offer recommendations or guidance that only applies if a specific condition is met in the present or future.
Direct Personal Advice
Giving a friend or colleague a suggestion for a problem they are currently facing.
“If you're tired, you should take a nap.”
“If your car is making that noise, you should see a mechanic.”
Professional Recommendations
Providing expert guidance or instructions in a workplace or formal setting.
“If the client complains, you should notify the manager immediately.”
“If the software crashes, you should restart your computer.”
General Wisdom/Warnings
Expressing universal truths or warnings about potential consequences.
“If you want people to trust you, you should always tell the truth.”
“If you travel to London, you should carry an umbrella.”
Reference Table
| 条件（If節） | 接続詞 | アドバイス（主節） | 例 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
If + 主語 + 現在形
|
,
|
主語 + should + 動詞の原形
|
If you feel sick, you should see a doctor.
|
|
If + 現在形
|
—
|
should + 動詞の原形
|
You should leave early if you want to avoid traffic.
|
|
If + 現在形（否定）
|
,
|
should + 動詞の原形
|
If you don't understand, you should ask for help.
|
|
If + 現在形
|
,
|
should + not + 動詞の原形
|
If it's too cold, you should not swim.
|
|
If + 現在形（疑問）
|
,
|
should + 動詞の原形（疑問）
|
If you're going out, should I lock the door?
|
|
If + 現在形
|
—
|
should + 動詞の原形
|
I think you should practice daily if you want to improve.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
If the device fails to boot, you should contact technical support. (Tech Support)
If your computer doesn't start, you should call the help desk. (Tech Support)
If your laptop's acting up, you should get it checked out. (Tech Support)
If your PC's dead, you should totally hit up the tech guys. (Tech Support)
First Conditional for Advice (Should)
If節（条件）
- If + 主語 + 現在形 e.g., If you feel tired...
- 現実的な未来の可能性 Something that might happen
主節（アドバイス）
- 主語 + Should + 動詞の原形 e.g., ...you should rest.
- 推奨／提案 What to do or consider
目的
- 行動を導く Help someone make decisions
- 問題解決 Suggesting solutions
First ConditionalにおけるShouldとWillの比較
アドバイスのフローチャート
その状況は未来の現実的な可能性ですか？
アドバイスや推奨を提供したいですか？
if節が文の最初に来ますか？
「If... Should」が使われる文脈
日常生活
- • 用事を済ませる
- • 友達に会う
- • 家事
仕事／学習
- • プロジェクトの締め切り
- • 試験対策
- • チーム会議
旅行
- • 荷造りのヒント
- • 道案内
- • 天候の変化
オンライン交流
- • テキストメッセージ
- • ソーシャルメディア投稿
- • ゲーム
レベル別の例文
If you are hungry, you should eat.
If you are hungry, you should eat.
If it is hot, you should drink water.
If it is hot, you should drink water.
If you are tired, you should sleep.
If you are tired, you should sleep.
If you like music, you should listen to this.
If you like music, you should listen to this.
If you have a test, you should study tonight.
If you have a test, you should study tonight.
If you go to London, you should see Big Ben.
If you go to London, you should see Big Ben.
If you feel sick, you shouldn't go to school.
If you feel sick, you shouldn't go to school.
If you want to buy that, you should save money.
If you want to buy that, you should save money.
If you want to improve your English, you should practice every day.
If you want to improve your English, you should practice every day.
If the weather is nice tomorrow, we should have a picnic.
If the weather is nice tomorrow, we should have a picnic.
If you don't understand the lesson, you should ask the teacher.
If you don't understand the lesson, you should ask the teacher.
If you're looking for a new job, you should update your CV.
If you're looking for a new job, you should update your CV.
If you find yourself struggling with the workload, you should delegate some tasks.
If you find yourself struggling with the workload, you should delegate some tasks.
If the symptoms persist for more than three days, you should consult a specialist.
If the symptoms persist for more than three days, you should consult a specialist.
If you intend to apply for the scholarship, you should gather your references now.
If you intend to apply for the scholarship, you should gather your references now.
If you're not satisfied with the service, you should write a formal complaint.
If you're not satisfied with the service, you should write a formal complaint.
If you wish to cultivate a deeper understanding of the subject, you should explore primary sources.
If you wish to cultivate a deeper understanding of the subject, you should explore primary sources.
If the market remains volatile, you should diversify your investment portfolio immediately.
If the market remains volatile, you should diversify your investment portfolio immediately.
If you encounter any resistance from the board, you should emphasize the long-term benefits.
If you encounter any resistance from the board, you should emphasize the long-term benefits.
If you are to succeed in this competitive field, you should network relentlessly.
If you are to succeed in this competitive field, you should network relentlessly.
If you are of the opinion that the policy is flawed, you should articulate your concerns during the plenary session.
If you are of the opinion that the policy is flawed, you should articulate your concerns during the plenary session.
If one is to navigate the complexities of international law, one should seek counsel from seasoned experts.
If one is to navigate the complexities of international law, one should seek counsel from seasoned experts.
If the data suggests a correlation, you should nonetheless remain cautious about implying causation.
If the data suggests a correlation, you should nonetheless remain cautious about implying causation.
If you find your creative drive waning, you should perhaps take a sabbatical to rediscover your inspiration.
If you find your creative drive waning, you should perhaps take a sabbatical to rediscover your inspiration.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'If I were you, you should...' which mixes the two. Second conditional is for imaginary things; First is for real possibilities.
Learners use 'would' for advice in the first conditional.
Using 'when' implies the condition is 100% certain to happen.
よくある間違い
If you will be tired, you should sleep.
If you are tired, you should sleep.
If you cold, you should wear a coat.
If you are cold, you should wear a coat.
If you are hungry you should eat.
If you are hungry, you should eat.
If you want help, you should to ask.
If you want help, you should ask.
If he should go, he should call.
If he goes, he should call.
If you don't like it, you should to stop.
If you don't like it, you should stop.
You should call if you will arrive late.
You should call if you arrive late.
If you would like to go, you should tell me.
If you want to go, you should tell me.
If it rains, you should taking an umbrella.
If it rains, you should take an umbrella.
If you are sick, you should saw a doctor.
If you are sick, you should see a doctor.
If you should see him, you should tell him.
If you should see him, tell him.
文型パターン
If you want to ___, you should ___.
If ___ happens, you should ___.
You shouldn't ___ if you ___.
Should I ___ if I ___?
Real World Usage
If you're free later, you should come over!
If a customer is unhappy, we should listen to their concerns first.
If the pain continues, you should take this medicine.
If you visit Tokyo, you should buy a subway pass.
If you like this video, you should subscribe!
If you have any questions, you should let me know.
「If」節では現在形を使う
If it is sunny tomorrow, you should go to the park.
「If」節に「Will」は使わない！
If he is late, you should call him.
アドバイスを柔らかくするコツ
直接的なアドバイスと間接的なアドバイス
Maybe you could discuss it with the team.
コンマ（,）の位置
If you finish early, you should review your notes.。もし主節が先に来る場合は、コンマは必要ありません。
Smart Tips
Add 'I think' before the advice clause.
Use 'If you have any questions, please feel free to ask' as a formal alternative.
Recognize it as a formal way to say 'if by chance'.
Use 'shouldn't' to warn people about bad outcomes.
発音
Shouldn't Contraction
The 't' in 'shouldn't' is often very soft or silent in fast speech.
If you... linking
The 'f' in 'if' often slides into the 'y' of 'you', sounding like 'ifyou'.
Conditional Rise-Fall
If it rains (rise), you should stay home (fall).
The rising tone on the condition shows it's not finished; the falling tone on the advice shows the thought is complete.
暗記しよう
記憶術
S.H.O.U.L.D.: Suggest Helpful Options Under Likely Developments.
視覚的連想
Imagine a fork in the road. One path has a sign saying 'IF' (the situation). Standing at the fork is a friendly guide (the 'SHOULD') pointing you toward the best direction.
Rhyme
If the present is the case, use 'should' and the verb's base.
Story
A traveler arrives in a new city. Every time they ask a question ('If I want coffee...'), the local responds with 'should' ('...you should go to Maria's'). The 'if' sets the scene, and the 'should' provides the map.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write down 3 problems you have right now. Then, write an 'If... should...' sentence for each one as if you were your own best friend giving advice.
文化メモ
British speakers often use 'ought to' as a slightly more formal or 'proper' alternative to 'should' in this structure.
Americans frequently use 'had better' for advice that carries a warning or urgency.
Using 'If... should' is considered much more polite than giving a direct command. It gives the listener the 'option' to follow the advice, which is important for social harmony.
The word 'should' comes from the Old English 'sceolde', the past tense of 'sculan' (shall/must).
会話のきっかけ
If I want to visit your home country, where should I go?
If a friend is feeling very stressed, what should they do?
If you win the lottery tomorrow, should you tell everyone?
If you have a disagreement with your boss, how should you handle it?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
If you have a headache, you ___ take some medicine.
Find and fix the mistake:
If she will arrive late, she should call us.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesIf you ___ (want) to pass the exam, you should study harder.
If it's raining outside, ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
If you will see him, you should say hello.
It's a good idea to call your mom because it's her birthday.
A: I'm so lost in this city! B: ___
You should shouldn't eat that if it smells bad.
should / if / you / you / go / are / home / sick
1. If you're tired... 2. If you're hungry... 3. If you're bored...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIf you miss the bus, you ___ take a taxi.
If he gets the job, he should celebrating.
正しい文を選んでください：
Translate into English: 'Wenn du müde bist, solltest du eine Pause machen.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
状況と最適なアドバイスをマッチさせてください。
If you get a flat tire, you ___ know how to change it.
If you will go to the gym, you should stretch first.
正しい文はどれですか？
Translate into English: 'Wenn es klingelt, solltest du antworten.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
問題と「should」に基づいた解決策をマッチさせてください。
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
Yes, but it changes the meaning. `Should` is for advice (what is good), while `can` is for possibility (what is possible).
In English, the 'if' clause in a first conditional sentence is already understood to be in the future. Using `will` is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Yes, `ought to` has the same meaning as `should`, but it is more formal and less common in modern speech.
Only if the `if` clause comes first. If the advice (`should`) comes first, no comma is used.
No. For past advice, we use the Third Conditional: `If you had been tired, you should have slept.`
Yes, but it's very formal. It means 'If by any chance you see him'. For B1, stick to `If you see him`.
The negative is `shouldn't` (should not). Use it to advise someone *not* to do something.
You can, but it sounds like a command. `Should` is much more common for friendly advice.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + presente + debería
Spanish often allows the present tense in both clauses for informal advice.
Si + présent + devrait
French punctuation rules for commas are slightly more rigid.
Wenn + Präsens + sollte
Word order: 'Wenn du müde bist, *solltest* du schlafen' (should you sleep).
...tara + ...hou ga ii
Japanese uses a specific 'better to' construction instead of a modal verb.
Idha + present + fa-yajibu
Arabic often uses a 'then' particle to connect the clauses.
Ruguo... jiu yinggai...
No tense changes or 'if-clause' verb constraints like in English.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
関連動画
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