Use you should + the base verb to recommend something; you really should makes the advice stronger but still friendly.
Recommending: should and really should
Not ""You should to arrive early."" — say ""You should arrive early."". After should, use the base verb with no "to".
Try it: Mei: The app is ready for the demo, I think. Amina: You ___ test it again first. Choose the words for the blank. (really should / should to / should tested) Answer: really should — Really should + the base verb makes friendly advice stronger.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
you should
/juː ʃʊd/
You should read the instructions before the test.
you really should
/juː ˈriːli ʃʊd/
You really should visit the new exhibit at Magaff Library.
Suggesting an option: consider
Use consider + a noun or an -ing form to suggest an option gently, without pushing.
Not ""You should consider to join the club."" — say ""You should consider joining the club."". After consider, use the -ing form, not "to".
Try it: Lars: The venue is over budget. Any ideas? Sofia: We should consider ___ a cheaper one. Choose the word for the blank. (booking / to book / book) Answer: booking — Consider is followed by an -ing form, not to: consider booking.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
consider
/kənˈsɪdər/
Mei should consider joining the debate club.
consider taking
/kənˈsɪdər ˈteɪkɪŋ/
Diego considered taking a shorter route to Moshridge Business Park.
Sounding sure: definitely, I'm convinced, trust me
Use definitely, I'm convinced or trust me to sound sure; trust me is informal, for friends.
Not "In a formal report: "Trust me, this venue is cheaper."" — say "In a formal report: "I'm convinced this venue is cheaper."". Trust me is friendly and informal; I'm convinced fits serious or written contexts.
Try it: Lani: Is the new bike lane really safer? Hiroshi: ___ that it is. The accident numbers are already down. Choose the words for the blank. (I'm convinced / Trust me, / It's definitely,) Answer: I'm convinced — I'm convinced states a firm belief and can lead into a that-clause.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
definitely
/ˈdefɪnətli/
The workshop is definitely useful for new students.
I'm convinced
/aɪm kənˈvɪnst/
I'm convinced the new schedule will help students.
trust me
/trʌst miː/
Trust me, the walk to Senfarrow Brook is worth it.
Showing the risk is small
Use it's worth it, give it a try, you can't go wrong and you've got nothing to lose to show the risk is small.
Try it: Ethan: The museum tour costs twenty dollars. Should I go? Lani: Yes, go. ___ The guide is excellent. Choose the words for the blank. (It's worth it. / It's worthy. / It worth it.) Answer: It's worth it. — It's worth it says the cost or effort is justified.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
it's worth it
/ɪts wɜrθ ɪt/
The tickets cost a lot, but the show was worth it.
give it a try
/ɡɪv ɪt ə traɪ/
Never played chess? Give it a try this weekend.
you can't go wrong
/ju kænt ɡoʊ rɔŋ/
Order anything here. You can't go wrong.
nothing to lose
/ˈnʌθɪŋ tə luz/
Apply for the job. You've got nothing to lose.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
"You should to arrive early."
"You should arrive early."
After should, use the base verb with no "to".
"You should consider to join the club."
"You should consider joining the club."
After consider, use the -ing form, not "to".
In a formal report: "Trust me, this venue is cheaper."
In a formal report: "I'm convinced this venue is cheaper."
Trust me is friendly and informal; I'm convinced fits serious or written contexts.