Modul 5: Language functions: V. GIVING ADVICE
What do you think these people should do? Give advice!
Video 01
Advice is an opinion or suggestion about what another person shoud do in a situation. A piece of advice a helpful opinion.
Here are some commonly (= often) used expresson:
You should … Classic.
You should study harder.
You shouldn’t spent so much time glued to the screen.
Why don’t you …?
Why don’t you call grandma? (Meaning: You should call grandma.) She would be thrilled!
Have you thought about …?
Have you thought about visiting your brother? You haven’t met for ages!
Could you …?
Could you start managing your time more efficiently? (more efficiently – in a better way, with less waste of time and energy)
You had better … ‘You had better’ means: It would be much better for you if ..
You had better get a new mobile phone. The old one’s just garbage.
If I were you, I would …
If I were you, I would change careers. Your profession is dying out.
Well, if I were in your shoes, I’d … This is the idiomatic version of “If I were you …”
Well, if I were in your shoes, I’d use less make-up.
Cool. Now go on to the next video and see more examples.
Video 02
What do you think these people should do? Give advice!
- Tom wants to make some English friends.
Why don’t you go to a pub quiz? They are great places to meet friendly people!
You should look on social media for local socializing events
- Kim would like to learn English.
If I were you, I would go to England. The best way to learn is to be immersed in it!
Have you thought about getting a tutor?
- Sue is in love with a man who has a wife and three children.
You had better not get too close to him; you don’t want to be a homewrecker…
Well, if I were in your shoes, I would firstly figure out if he likes you too. If not, then you can try to move on.
- Michael wants to earn lots of money.
Have you thought about Investing money into properties?
You should go through your belongings and sell everything you don’t need.
- Tessa wishes to lose some weight.
Could you start dieting?
If I were you, I’d start exercising to burn the calories!
- Your friend would like to go camping somewhere.
You should check out The Cotswolds!
Why don’t you hire a caravan, and that way you can travel around whilst you camp.
- Your neighbour wants to buy a pet.
You should get a dog so that you can walk it in the park over the road.
If I were you, I wouldn’t get something high maintenance because of your busy job.
- Your boss wants to employ extra staff but cannot decide how many.
If I were in your shoes, I’d hire a small number and then get more if you need them.
You had better first work out how much extra work we have.
- Your dad wants to quit smoking.
Could you try using nicotine patches?
Have you thought about vaping?
- Your business client wants to invest a lot of money.
You should carefully plan out how much you are willing to invest.
If I were you, I would discuss all this in a formal meeting.
- You are a waiter. The guest asks you what meals you’d recommend.
You should get the Ravioli; it’s delicious!
Why don’t you take a look at the specials?
- Your friend has forgotten his wife’s birthday, and she won’t forgive him.
You had better get her a present as soon as possible.
If I were in your shoes, I’d buy her flowers as a way of saying sorry.
- You have a novice teacher in French who asks you how you want her to teach you.
Could you label photos of objects with their French names?
Have you thought about repeating phrases until I remember them?
- Pete and Ben have fallen out. Try to convince them to be friends again.
Why don’t you explain to each other how you’re both feeling?
If I were you guys, I would just forgive each other and move on.
- Your classmate has stolen the answers to an upcoming exam.
You had better return them before you get expelled.
Well if I were in your shoes, I’d give them back and apologise because it’s not too late.
Giving advice:
You should …
Why don’t you …?
Have you thought about …?
Could you …?
You had better …
If I were you, I would …
Well, if I were in your shoes, I’d …
What do you think these people should do? Give advice.
1. Tom wants to make some English friends.
2. Kim would like to learn English.
3. Sue is in love with a man who has a wife and three children.
4. Michael wants to earn lots of money.
5. Tessa wishes to lose some weight.
6. Your friend would like to go camping somewhere.
7. Your neighbour wants to buy a pet.
8. Your boss wants to employ extra staff but cannot decide how many.
9. Your dad wants to quit smoking.
10. Your business client wants to invest a lot of money.
11. You are a waiter. The guest asks you what meals you’d recommend.
12. Your friend has forgotten his wife’s birthday, and she won’t forgive him.
13. You have a novice teacher in French who asks you how you want her to teach you.
14. Pete and Ben have fallen out. Try to convince them to be friends again.
15. Your classmate has stolen the answers to an upcoming exam.