As an English teacher, I find myself giving a lot of advice to students.
This week, I have decided to look at a few different ways / phrases for giving advice.
Check out the examples below. Please leave me any comments if you have any questions.
(1)
Modal verbs:
– You should call your mother, you haven’t talked to her in ages. (Meaning: in my opinion, this is a good idea)
– You shouldn’t go outside without a coat, you’ll catch a cold. (Meaning: in my opinion, this is a bad idea)
– You have to see the new Batman film, it’s amazing. (Meaning: This is very strong advice, not an obligation)
(2)
Hypothetical conditionals:
– If I were you, I’d give her a piece of my mind. (Form: If I were you, I’d + verb)
If I were in your position, I’d call her up this second.
(3)
Phrases:
– That shop assistant has given you the wrong change again. you should give her a piece of my mind. (Meaning: I’m going to tell her exactly what I think about this situation)
– Oh it’s not a big problem, don’t lose any sleep over it. (Meaning: Don’t worry about it. It’s not important)
(4)
Other ways:
– Why don’t you give her a call when you get home. (Form: Why don’t you + verb)
– Just give her a call. (Meaning: This is the imperative. It is quite an informal suggestion. The intonation here is quite important so that it doesn’t seem like an order)
So my advice to you is to get out there and give some people some advice, even if they don’t want it. You should go and find people who you think need advising and just go for it. If I were you, I’d give your friends advice on how to practise their English. Get on with it!
I also think you should go and visit Southbank, it’s my favourite area in London, especially during the summer.
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