Aunt Language Giving advice Present: Past: You should/shouldn’t… You should/shouldn’t have + past participle. You ought to/ought not to… You ought (not) to have + past participle. You had better/had better not… If I were in your shoes/position, I would… I’ll tell you what, why don’t you…? What you can do is… I suggest/recommend that you + infinitive – to I suggest/recommend + gerund Have you tried + gerund? It’s vital that you… You simply have to… Expressions Woah! That’s a tough one. You have to nip this problem in the bud. That’s a delicate/tricky situation. I think you’re making a mountain out of a A minefield. molehill. You have to tread carefully. It’s just a storm in a teacup. Be subtle/tactful/diplomatic. It’ll blow over. it up casually. Don’t make any hasty/rash decisions. Who is in the wrong? You have to face the problem head on. Don’t think twice about + gerund (definitely Put yourself in his/her shoes. do it) What would you do if the shoe was on the Don’t even think about + gerund (definitely other foot? don’t do it) Don’t put up with it. Put your foot down. Stay strong. Don’t take any crap/bullshit. Go with your gut instinct.
Aunt Language Giving advice Present: You should/shouldn’t… You ought to/ought not to… You had better/had better not… If I were in your shoes/position, I would… I’ll tell you what, why don’t you…? What you can do is… I suggest/recommend that you + infinitive – to I suggest/recommend + gerund Have you tried + gerund? It’s vital that you… You simply have to… Past: You should/shouldn’t have + past participle. You ought (not) to have + past participle. Expressions Woah! That’s a tough one. That’s a delicate/tricky situation. A minefield. You have to tread carefully. Be subtle/tactful/diplomatic. it up casually. Who is in the wrong? Don’t think twice about + gerund (definitely do it) Don’t even think about + gerund (definitely don’t do it) Put your foot down. Don’t take any crap/bullshit. You have to nip this problem in the bud. I think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. It’s just a storm in a teacup. It’ll blow over. Don’t make any hasty/rash decisions. You have to face the problem head on. Put yourself in his/her shoes. What would you do if the shoe was on the other foot? Don’t put up with it. Stay strong. Go with your gut instinct.
agony-aunt-language.docx