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Modal verbs of advice

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Modals

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1. Modals of advice

Modal verbs of advice are a type of modal verb used mainly to give or ask for advice. These modal verbs are should, ought to and had better.

You shouldn't smoke.

You ought to practice more.

2. Structure of modals of advice

Should, ought to and had better have the same meaning. However, ought to is usually used in more formal contexts.

The structure of the modals of advice is as follows:

Form

Examples

AFFIRMATIVE

Subject

should
ought to
had / 'd better¹

infinitive

You should go and see your grandmother once a week.

With this temperature you ought to visit the doctor.

You'd better go to the dentist.

NEGATIVE

Subject

shouldn't
ought not to²
had / 'd better not¹

infinitive

They shouldn't take that train, it doesn't stop in Madrid.

You ought not to spend so much money.

You'd better not do that.

INTERROGATIVE

Should

subject

infinitive?

Should I tell him the truth?

¹In most cases the contracted form of had better ('d better) is used unless the context is very formal.

²The negative form “ought not to” is much more common than “oughtn't to”.

To ask questions should is the most common option. However, we can use ought to in a formal context.

3. How are modals of advice used?

Should is used to express what we think would be the most correct or convenient thing to do in a given situation, that is, a subjective opinion.

You should buy a new bike. This one is small.

You shouldn't drink any more.
Ought to is used to express a more objective point of view. It is used in contexts related to laws, obligations, regulations, etc., and to express what would be morally right or wrong.

He ought to behave a lot better.

You ought not to plead guilty.
Had better is used to give advice when we believe that if we act otherwise, there will be negative consequences.

You'd better buy the tickets now.

I'd better go or my parents will tell me off.

Remember!

Modals of advice are a type of modal verbs used mainly to give or ask for advice. These modal verbs are should, ought to and had better.

Modal	Structure		Examples
SHOULD subjective opinions	+	Subject + should + infinitive	He should study more.
	-	Subject + shouldn't + infinitive	You shouldn't be angry today.
	?	Should + subject + infinitive	Should I go to the cinema with my friends?
OUGHT TO objective opinions	+	Subject + ought to + infinitive	We ought to go out tonight.
OUGHT TO objective opinions	-	Subject + ought not to + infinitive	You ought not to call him.
HAD BETTER advice when you think there will be negative consequences	+	Subject + had / 'd better + infinitive	We'd better find a flat soon.
	-	Subject + had / 'd better not + infinitive	You'd better not touch that.

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