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cfl bulbCould / Should

Offering options and advice

 

 

 

 

Offering Help vs. Giving Advice
COULD SHOULD

Could states an option or a suggestion – other options to try.

Should states advice, a stronger suggestion - the best option to do.


"I lost my wallet. What am I going to do?"    

"Well, you could . . . 

  1. go back to the last place you saw it.
  2. check the lost and found.
  3. remember where you went today.
  4. search your house and car.
     


"I lost my wallet. What am I going to do?"    

You should . . .

  1. cancel your credit cards.
  2. notify the campus police.

 

 

 

Advice That Comes Too Late 
COULD HAVE SHOULD HAVE

Could have states past options, suggestions, or solutions that were not taken or done.  The person states them too late to act upon.

Should have states advice about something in the past.  The person states them too late to act upon them.


"My computer froze and I lost the project I was working on!"
 

"You could have . . .

  1. used auto-save
  2. tried the escape key
  3. used a back-up drive or site
     


"My computer froze and I lost the project I was working on!"
 

"You should have . . .

  1. used auto-save
  2. tried the escape key
  3. used a back-up drive or site


Also see Late Advice  (conditional section)
a.k.a = also known as

 

 

 

 

light switchPractice

Offering Solutions

 

 

 

 

My electricity bill was too high. How can I save money?   
# YOUR RESPONSE CHECK ANSWER

1.
low-enerygy light bulbs
2.
3. turn your heating thermostat lower.
4.
5.
6.

 

 

Gas costs too much.  I can't afford to fill my car anymore! 
# YOUR RESPONSE CHECK ANSWER
7. could sell your car and buy a bicycle.
8.
9.
10. drive less if possible.

 

 

I had a car accident.  My car is wrecked.  I couldn't go to work. 
# YOUR RESPONSE CHECK ANSWER
11.
12.   taken the bus.
13.
14. found some way to get to work.
15. called your boss to let him know.