Modal verbs for recommendations
Focus on modal verbs for recommendations or warnings (should, can, could, had better)
Talking about stressing situations such as job interviews and first day of work, what kind of recommendations do you think could be suitable?
There are two modal verbs for advice: should and would.
Should
For advices in the present we use should + verb.
A: I feel very sick, I think I caught a cold.
B: Too bad, you should stay at home and recover
Would
We can also use would for advices in the present but in this case you give the advice from your own perspective.
A: I feel very sick, I think I caught a cold.
B: Too bad, I would go to the doctor.
| Should | Would |
|---|---|
| Should is used to indicate advice, suggestions, obligation and duty. | Would is used to indicate express a wish, preference, offer, or request. |
| Past tense of shall. | Past tense of will. |
| Can indicate certainty and conviction. | Can indicate uncertainty or vagueness. |