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English Lesson: You could ask before you take it

You could ask before you take it!

The above sentence it's fine from my finding in the internet. In order to express criticism, you need to put the STRESS + ACCENT on the could!

People are much more likely to be angry about your taking it without permission and are much more likely to prefer you asking for permission as required and/or common courtesy.

If the 'thing' had just been taken without permission, then even without any extra stress on the word 'could', I would understand "You could ask before you take my stuff!" to be critical. Understand?

Try to avoid using 'should' in that sentence because it indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required. 'Could' is more polite to ask for someone else to do something.

Morale Lesson: take minus permission equals THEFT!