Agony 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.
Bring 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.