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What is the difference between "where do I eat?" and "where should I eat?" ?

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Please consult a dictionary about the difference between should and do. If that is not sufficient please edit your question to explain what the confusion is. – Matt Эллен Aug 23 '12 at 8:57

closed as general reference by tchrist, Mahnax, Matt Эллен, waiwai933♦ Aug 23 '12 at 23:19

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1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

I believe in this sense that

Where do I eat?

is asking for a single definite place to eat

in contrast to

Where should I eat?

which is asking for opinions on multiple places where you should eat.

Both seem fine to me though but I think the latter is more commonly utilised.

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3  
OP hasn't provided any context, so we can't tell whether there's any expectation of the questioner's part that there may actually only be one place possible. For example, he may be visiting an isolated company's office where the only place he could feasibly reach during a short lunch break is the office canteen on the premises. Even then, both versions would be acceptable, but "do" might feel more "natural" to some speakers. – FumbleFingers Feb 5 '12 at 14:47
I see. Thanks :) – Zane Feb 5 '12 at 14:55

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