A Trinity College London Registered Examination Centre
There are a number of formulas used when Giving Advice in English. Here are some of the most common:
- I don’t think you should work so hard.
- You ought to work less.
- You ought not to work so hard.
- If I were you, I’d work less.
- If I were in your position, I’d work less.
- If I were in your shoes, I’d work less.
- You had better work less.
- You shouldn’t work so hard.
- Whatever you do, don’t work so hard.
Construction
| Formula | + Verb Form |
| I don't think you should work so hard. | Use 'I don't think you should' + the base form of the verb in a statement. |
| You ought to work less. | Use 'You ought to' + the base form of the verb in a statement. |
| You ought not to work so hard. | Use 'You ought not to' + the base form of the verb in a statement. |
| If I were you, If I were in your position, If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't work so hard. | Use 'If I were' + 'you' OR 'in your position' OR 'your shoes' + 'I wouldn't' OR 'I would' + base form of the verb in a statement (A form of the conditional 2). |
| You had better work less. | Use 'You had better' (you'd better) + the base form of the verb in a statement. |
| You shouldn't OR You should work less. | Use 'You should' OR 'You shouldn't' + the base form of the verb in a statement. |
| Whatever you do, don't work so hard. | Use 'Whatever you do' + the imperative. |