Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Core Meaning
Use 〜 for strong advice or normative judgment.
Start with the example
。
You should keep your promises.
This is a judgment about what is right.
Notice the variation
。
You should reply quickly to important emails.
The speaker presents a norm or expectation.
More detail: how to apply this
Verb dictionary form + means 'should' or 'ought to.' It expresses what the speaker believes is proper, reasonable, or expected behavior.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the exact behavior the writer endorses or criticizes, including limiting words such as .
expresses the writer’s judgment against that limited basis for choosing. It is an opinion about appropriate conduct, not a prediction about what everyone will do.
。
You should not choose things based only on convenience.
Find the exact behavior the writer endorses or criticizes, including limiting words such as .
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
You should keep your promises.
This is a judgment about what is right.
Compare in context
。
You should reply quickly to important emails.
The speaker presents a norm or expectation.
Vocabulary notes
- メール
- email; mail
- する
- to do
Section 2 of 4
How It Differs from Similar Forms
How It Differs from Similar Forms
Start with the example
。
He should be coming already.
This is a logical expectation, not a moral judgment.
Notice the variation
。
Students should get enough rest.
This is the speaker's view of what is proper or necessary.
More detail: how to apply this
is not the same as .
is a factual expectation.
is a value judgment.
It is also often more opinion-based than .
With , the shortened form is also very common in writing.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
He should be coming already.
This is a logical expectation, not a moral judgment.
。
He should be coming already.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: He should be coming already.
Showing How It Differs from Similar Forms: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
He should be coming already.
This is a logical expectation, not a moral judgment.
Vocabulary notes
- もう
- already; any more
- はずだ
- should; be expected to
Preview
。
Students should get enough rest.
This is the speaker's view of what is proper or necessary.
Section 3 of 4
Tone in Reading
Find the exact behavior the writer endorses or criticizes, including limiting words such as .
Tone in Reading
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
restricts the criticized basis to convenience alone. It does not say convenience has no value at all.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Because sounds strong, writers use it carefully in essays and opinion pieces.
When you read it, notice whose standard is being expressed and how strongly the writer is committing to it.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
You should not choose things based only on convenience.
The writer presents a principle.
。
You should not choose things based only on convenience.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: You should not choose things based only on convenience.
Showing Tone in Reading: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
You should not choose things based only on convenience.
The writer presents a principle.
Vocabulary notes
- だけで
- with only; just by
Preview
、。
When a problem happens, you should first confirm the facts.
The form gives firm but general advice.
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
advises against acting;
only removes obligation.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
advises against acting; only removes obligation.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Should not go / need not go
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.