Modals of advice
Hi, in this lesson we are going to look at the modals of advice. should, ought to, had
better and must
We will learn how and when to use them with plenty of example sentences. At the end of
the video, there are some exercises to see how much you've learned. So keep watching
until the end .
So lets get started.
When talking about the right thing to do we use should.
Bob should take more care when he's skiing. (its a good idea but he doesn't)
I shouldn't eat so much ice cream ( its a bad idea but I still do) If I were you I advise
you to not eat so much ice cream.
To talk about the past we use should have + past participle
I should have told the truth ( it was a good idea but I didn't do it)
We shouldn't have bought the expensive car ( it was a bad idea but we still did it)
You can also use ought to in these sentences. Ought to means nearly the same as should but
is more formal and less common. There is a slight difference in meaning. with neutral
stress should suggests an obliglation more moral and binding than ought to and therefore
offers stronger advice. Ought to often suggests that the action is unlikely to be fulfilled.
For example. If you say you should go ( this is absolute) and you ought to go ( but I know
you don't want to)
When the modals are stressed this emphasises responsability or obligation but the stressed
form admits the possibility of something else ocurring. I should go ( but I probabaly won't
) I ought to go ( but I'm still hesitating)
We ought to go home.
We oughtn't eat sugar but it is very tasty.
Time line with advice
Must had better ought to / should could
Strong less strong
You must give up smoking. ( advice which I feel very strongly about)
You'd better start exercising …... ( advice - otherwise you may regret it, with a bad
outcome if you don't ) It is had better and although it is in the past it has a meaning
for the present or future not past. Had better is used for specific situations not for things
in general. Should can be used in all types of situation to give advice.
You should eat more healthily ( advice)
You could stop eating meat. ( this is only a suggestion)
In the negative we use had better not and oughtn't to / shouldn't
You'd better not forget to give the money to mum.
You shouldn't / oughtn't wear those shoes for the interview tomorrow.
Now its your turn.
Fill in the gaps with verbs using the modals of advice.
I have an appointment in ten minutes. I ….... go now or I'll be late.
'd better . It is advisable to do it. If I don't do it, there will be a problem or a
danger.
You ….. see that film. Its terrific.
Must = strongly advise it. should see it , advise and ought to advise. Its the right thing to
do.
They …..... so much. I have a headache now.
Shoudn't have talked / oughtn't to have talked
They did it, but it was the wrong thing to do.
Congratulations, you now know how to use the modals of advice, should, ought to, had better
and must.
Congratulations you now know how to use the modals of advice should, ought to and had
better in english.
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modals of advice