Giving a piece of advice

Dear teachers,

Could you tell me the difference between the two sentences below giving some advice ?

1. You should pay more attention to your appearance.
2. You should have paid more attention to your appearance.

I know both advice-giving sentences above are correct, but I wonder what the difference is in advice-giving sense.

I am much obliged to you for your help.(newly-learned:-D)

Thanks:-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kl004535

Dear teachers,

Could you tell me the difference between the two sentences below giving some advice ?

1. You should pay more attention to your appearance. refers to the present or future
2. You should have paid more attention to your appearance. refers to the past

I know both advice-giving sentences above are correct, but I wonder what the difference is.

I am much obliged to you for your help.(newly-learned:-D)

Thanks:-)

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2006

However, when I give some advice, they are definitely for the present or future because I want you to be good in the present or future, not the past. So, why do I still have to say:

You should have paid attention to your appearance.
(refer to the past)

Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kl004535

However, when I give some advice, they are definitely for the present or future because I want you to be good in the present or future, not the past. So, why do I still have to say:

You should have paid attention to your appearance. This is primarily a criticism of past behavior. It is not direct advice, but it does indirectly suggest what you should do in the future.

(refer to the past)

Thanks.

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2006

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kl004535

However, when I give some advice, they are definitely for the present or future because I want you to be good in the present or future, not the past. So, why do I still have to say:

You should have paid attention to your appearance.
(refer to the past)

Thanks.

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I am not surprised that you were not hired! You should have paid more attention to your appearance! ;-)