Modal Verbs of Advice

B1 · IntermediateModal Verbs

Should, if I were you, and why don't you let you offer advice, imagine yourself in someone else's shoes, or gently suggest an option.

What you'll learn

  • Should + base verb is the most common way to give or ask for advice
  • If I were you, I would... imagines the advice-giver in the listener's position
  • Why don't you...? phrases a suggestion as a gentle question
  • Were is used with every subject in if I were you, not was

Giving and asking for advice

English has several everyday ways to give advice or ask for it — should is the most common, but if I were you and why don't you are just as natural.

"You should talk to your manager about it."
"What should I do?"

If I were you, I would...

This structure gives advice by imagining yourself in the other person's position. Were is used for every subject here, including I — this is the subjunctive mood, used for hypothetical situations.

"If I were you, I would apologize."
"If I were you, I would ask for help."

Why don't you...?

Why don't you...? phrases advice as a gentle, friendly question — it's a suggestion, not a real request for a reason.

"Why don't you ask for a refund?"
"Why don't you talk to her directly?"

Real English

"You shouldn't ignore the warning signs."
"My advice would be to save some money each month."
"I think you should see a specialist."
"Why don't you take a break?"

Watch out

✗If I was you, I would apologize.
✓If I were you, I would apologize.

Use were with every subject in this structure, including I — not was.

✗You should to see a specialist.
✓You should see a specialist.

Don't add to after should — it's followed directly by the base form of the verb.

✗Why don't you asking for a refund?
✓Why don't you ask for a refund?

Use the base form of the verb after why don't you, not the -ing form.

Real life — Asking a friend for advice

"I don't know whether to take the job or not. What should I do?"

"If I were you, I'd take it — it's a great opportunity."

"You think so? I'm still a little nervous."

"Why don't you sleep on it and decide tomorrow?"

Practice

Exercise 1 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence — giving advice.

Exercise 2 · Choose the correct question

Choose the correct sentence — asking for advice.

Exercise 3 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence — advice with 'if I were you.'

Exercise 4 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence — a suggestion phrased as advice.

Exercise 5 · Choose the correct negative

Choose the correct negative.

Exercise 6 · Choose the correct answer

Which structure gives advice by imagining yourself in someone else's position?

Exercise 7 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 8 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 9 · Complete the sentence

Complete: 'If I ___ (be) you, I would take the job.'

Exercise 10 · Complete the sentence

Complete (asking for advice): '___ (should) I tell her the truth?'

Exercise 11 · Sort into groups

You should rest.
You shouldn't overwork.
If I were you, I'd rest.
If I were you, I wouldn't overwork.
Why don't you rest?
Why don't you take a break?

0 / 6 sorted

Quick challenge

Five quick questions to check what stuck.

Question 1 / 5

Score: 0/0

Choose the correct sentence.

You learned

  • Should + base verb is the most common way to give or ask for advice.
  • If I were you, I would... imagines the advice-giver in the listener's position.
  • Why don't you...? phrases a suggestion as a gentle question.
  • Were is used for every subject in if I were you, not was.

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