First Conditional for Advice (should)
if + present, should.
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
Use 'if' and 'should' to give good advice.
Help your friends with this. Tell them what is good.
Use this at work or with friends. It helps people.
How This Grammar Works
If you apply for that job, you will have to do an interview.(Prediction of a certain outcome)If you apply for that job, you should update your CV first.(Advice on a wise preparatory step)
will vs. shouldIf the traffic is bad, you will be late. | "This is the future I foresee." |If the traffic is bad, you should leave earlier. | "This is the action I recommend you take." |Formation Pattern
If you want to pass the exam, you should study every day.
If the weather is nice tomorrow, we should have a picnic.
You should study every day if you want to pass the exam.
We should have a picnic if the weather is nice tomorrow.
should never changes. It is should for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
shouldn't)
If the instructions are unclear, you shouldn't guess what to do.
He shouldn't buy that car if it's too expensive.
If you don't feel confident, you should ask for help.
What should I do if my boss rejects my proposal?
Where should we go if it rains on our wedding day?
Should I call a technician if the printer stops working?
Should we cancel the order if they don't confirm the shipping date?
When To Use It
If your laptop freezes, you should try holding the power button for ten seconds.If you miss the last train, you should look for a reputable taxi service on the station's app.
If you have a free weekend, you should visit the new art gallery downtown.If you're looking for a good book, you should read anything by Kazuo Ishiguro.
If we want to finish the report by Friday, we should divide the remaining tasks.If you're flying internationally, you should check your passport's expiration date well in advance.
If you borrow a tool from the workshop, you should return it to the correct place.If a client sends an urgent request, you should acknowledge it within the hour.
If you want to lead a team one day, you should focus on improving your communication skills.If the client is unhappy with the draft, we should schedule a call to discuss their feedback directly.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect:
*If the weather will be bad, we should cancel the trip. - Correct:
If the weather is bad, we should cancel the trip. - Why it's wrong: In conditional sentences, the
if-clausecreates a hypothetical scenario. English grammar rules dictate that this hypothetical condition is set in the present simple, not the future withwill.
- Incorrect:
If you feel stressed, you will take a break.(This sounds like a prophecy or a command, not a suggestion.) - Correct:
If you feel stressed, you should take a break.(This is clearly advice.) - Why it's wrong: The modal verb defines the function of the clause.
willis for stating future facts, whileshouldis for giving opinions and advice.
- Incorrect:
*If he apologizes, you should to forgive him. - Correct:
If he apologizes, you should forgive him. - Why it's wrong: Modal verbs (like
can,will,must,should) are auxiliary verbs that are grammatically complete when paired with a base verb. They never taketoafterwards.
- Situation: A colleague says, "I'm not sure how to use this software."
- Blunt / Potentially Rude:
If you don't know, read the manual!(Imperative) - Polite and Helpful:
If you're not sure, you should check the help section. It's quite good. - Why it's different: The imperative implies authority and can create distance. The
shouldform is collaborative and shows respect for the listener's autonomy.
*If the computer is slow, you will restart it. | If the computer is slow, you should restart it. | Use should for advice, will for predictions. |Real Conversations
Textbook examples are clean, but real-world usage is often faster and more integrated into conversation. Here is how you'll see and hear this grammar in daily life.
1. In a Text Message Exchange
Alex
Just realized I have two exams on the same day. 😩Ben
Ouch. If that's the case, you should talk to your professor. Sometimes they let you reschedule one.Notice the direct, problem-solving advice in response to a stated problem.*
2. In a Work Email
Subject
Hi Sarah,
I'm preparing the invoice for the Clark account. I noticed they haven't approved the extra budget yet.
If they don't approve it by EOD, should I send the invoice for the original amount only?
Thanks,
Tom
Here, the structure is used in a question to proactively ask for guidance on a potential future issue.*
3. In a Casual Spoken Conversation
Maria
David
The use of probably softens the advice, making it sound even more like a collaborative suggestion.*
4. On a Social Media Forum (e.g., Reddit)
Title
User123 (Comment):
If you only have 3 days, you should skip the Statue of Liberty. The queue takes hours. Instead, if you want a great view, you should just take the Staten Island Ferry—it's free and goes right past it.
This example shows a contrast: advice against one action (should skip) and advice for another (should just take).*
Quick FAQ
If you go, you should... and When you go, you should...?should for advice about a past situation?If I had known you were in town last week, I should have invited you to dinner.If..., you should... differ from If..., you must...?Should is strong advice, but it's ultimately a suggestion. You should see a doctor is a strong recommendation.If it breaks, should fix it?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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
If + Present Simple, Subject + should + Verb
|
If you're late, you should call.
|
|
Negative Advice
|
If + Present Simple, Subject + shouldn't + Verb
|
If it's expensive, you shouldn't buy it.
|
|
Negative Condition
|
If + don't/doesn't + Verb, Subject + should + Verb
|
If you don't like it, you should leave.
|
|
Interrogative
|
Should + Subject + Verb + if + Present Simple?
|
Should I stay if he asks me to?
|
|
Reversed Order
|
Subject + should + Verb + if + Present Simple
|
You should rest if you feel tired.
|
|
With 'Ought to'
|
If + Present Simple, Subject + ought to + Verb
|
If you're sick, you ought to see a doctor.
|
Formality Spectrum
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)
The Advice Loop
Condition (If)
- Present Simple The trigger
Advice (Result)
- Should + Base The suggestion
Will vs. Should
Is it Advice?
Is the situation possible?
Are you giving a suggestion?
Examples by Level
If you are hungry, you should eat.
If it is hot, you should drink water.
If you are tired, you should sleep.
If you like music, you should listen to this.
If you have a test, you should study tonight.
If you go to London, you should see Big Ben.
If you feel sick, you shouldn't go to school.
If you want to buy that, you should save money.
If you want to improve your English, you should practice every day.
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'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 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'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 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 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 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 you find your creative drive waning, you should perhaps take a sabbatical to rediscover your inspiration.
Easily Confused
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Sentence Patterns
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.
The Comma Rule
No 'Will' in the 'If'
Softening Advice
Should vs. Must
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.
Pronunciation
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.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
S.H.O.U.L.D.: Suggest Helpful Options Under Likely Developments.
Visual Association
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
Challenge
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.
Cultural Notes
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).
Conversation Starters
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?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
If 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
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Wenn du müde bist, solltest du eine Pause machen.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the situations with the best advice:
If you get a flat tire, you ___ know how to change it.
If you will go to the gym, you should stretch first.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Wenn es klingelt, solltest du antworten.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the problem with the `should`-based solution:
Score: /12
FAQ (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
First Conditional: Real Future Possibilities
Overview The **First Conditional** in English grammar is a fundamental structure used to discuss real or highly probabl...
Giving Advice and Recommendations (Should)
Overview `Should` is a **modal auxiliary verb** in English used primarily to express advice, recommendations, mild oblig...
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