Play safe

Idioms | B2

…I think he should…

This is an example of an important way of avoiding repetition in English. We can use auxiliary verbs (such as be, do, have, should, can, etc) to avoid repeating a verb or verb phrase, as long as it is clear from the context. In this example, the full phrase would be: Tom doesn’t think he needs to get travel insurance, but I think he should get travel insurance. Unnecessary repetition like this sounds bad in English.

Here are some more examples:

e.g. My wife doesn’t like cats but I do.

e.g. A: Why haven’t you finished the report I asked for? / B: I have! I put it on your desk earlier.

e.g. You don’t have to do this homework if you’re too busy, but if you can then you should.

e.g. I’m sorry I haven’t done the washing up yet. I will as soon as I can.

…why not…

Why not do something is a useful way to make a suggestion to someone. e.g. If you’re really that stressed, why not ask your boss for a few days off? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.