Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which modal verb is generally preferred in spoken English when expressing a strong recommendation or urgency?
Which modal verb is generally preferred in spoken English when expressing a strong recommendation or urgency?
- Ought to
- Had better (correct)
- Must
- Should
When giving advice to someone starting with 'I', it is more appropriate to use 'ought to' rather than 'should'.
When giving advice to someone starting with 'I', it is more appropriate to use 'ought to' rather than 'should'.
False (B)
For expressing obligations and recommendations, both 'should' and _____ can be used, although the former is more common in general.
For expressing obligations and recommendations, both 'should' and _____ can be used, although the former is more common in general.
ought to
Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'ought to'?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'ought to'?
In what context is 'ought to' most frequently used, particularly in speech?
In what context is 'ought to' most frequently used, particularly in speech?
To express a strong certainty based on evidence, 'should' or 'ought to' are more appropriate than 'must'.
To express a strong certainty based on evidence, 'should' or 'ought to' are more appropriate than 'must'.
When giving advice starting with 'If I were you,' we use 'should' or '_____', but not 'ought to'.
When giving advice starting with 'If I were you,' we use 'should' or '_____', but not 'ought to'.
Which question is grammatically correct and natural-sounding?
Which question is grammatically correct and natural-sounding?
We can use 'had better' to talk about past regrets.
We can use 'had better' to talk about past regrets.
To express regret about a past action, we use 'should/ought to + have + _____'.
To express regret about a past action, we use 'should/ought to + have + _____'.
Which sentence expresses regret about a past action?
Which sentence expresses regret about a past action?
What is the negative form of 'ought to have' when expressing regret or criticism?
What is the negative form of 'ought to have' when expressing regret or criticism?
'Should have arrived' can express an expectation that something has already happened.
'Should have arrived' can express an expectation that something has already happened.
In questions that are offers or requests for confirmation, we can use '_____' or 'shall'.
In questions that are offers or requests for confirmation, we can use '_____' or 'shall'.
In the sentence, 'I shall read the script tomorrow,' 'shall' expresses:
In the sentence, 'I shall read the script tomorrow,' 'shall' expresses:
What does 'should' mean in the sentence, 'I should read the script tomorrow but I know I'll be too tired.'?
What does 'should' mean in the sentence, 'I should read the script tomorrow but I know I'll be too tired.'?
'Had better' is suitable for making general comments about what people should or shouldn't do.
'Had better' is suitable for making general comments about what people should or shouldn't do.
The negative form of 'had better' is 'had better _____'.
The negative form of 'had better' is 'had better _____'.
Which sentence uses 'had better' to express urgency?
Which sentence uses 'had better' to express urgency?
In questions with 'had better', where does the subject come in relation to 'had'?
In questions with 'had better', where does the subject come in relation to 'had'?
Match the modal verb phrases with their primary function:
Match the modal verb phrases with their primary function:
'should' is generally used more frequently than 'ought to'.
'should' is generally used more frequently than 'ought to'.
The manual says that the computer _____ be disconnected before removing the cover.
The manual says that the computer _____ be disconnected before removing the cover.
Which of the following is NOT a typical use of 'should'?
Which of the following is NOT a typical use of 'should'?
Rewrite the following sentence using 'had better': 'You should call the police quickly, there's someone downstairs.'
Rewrite the following sentence using 'had better': 'You should call the police quickly, there's someone downstairs.'
Flashcards
Should
Should
Used for obligations and recommendations; also probability. More common in general use.
Ought to
Ought to
Used for obligations and recommendations, especially in speech. Focuses on obligation more than probability.
Must
Must
Used to express strong certainty or a very high likelihood based on evidence.
Regret in the past
Regret in the past
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Expectation with 'should have'
Expectation with 'should have'
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Had better
Had better
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Urgent Advice
Urgent Advice
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Had better (urgency)
Had better (urgency)
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Recommendation
Recommendation
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Giving Advice
Giving Advice
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Wh-Questions
Wh-Questions
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I shall
I shall
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Correct Use Conversation Tip
Correct Use Conversation Tip
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Correct Use Conversation Tip number 2
Correct Use Conversation Tip number 2
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Study Notes
- Both 'should' and 'ought to' can express obligations, recommendations, and probability, though 'should' is more common.
- 'Ought to' is more frequent in speech, mainly for expressing obligation.
- When certain or very likely based on evidence, 'must' is appropriate, not 'should' or 'ought to'.
Should vs. Ought To
- 'Should' is preferred for external authority recommendations: "The manual says the computer should be disconnected..."
- Use 'should' (or 'would') with 'I' for advice: "I should leave early tomorrow, if I were you."
- 'Should' is preferred in questions, especially wh-questions: "What should I do if I have any problems?"
Should / Ought To + have + past participle
- Expresses regret about something that didn't happen: "We should/ought to have waited for the rain to stop."
- Often indicates regret or criticism; negative forms ('shouldn't/oughtn't to have') are commonly used.
- Also expresses expectation of something happening, having happened, or going to happen: "If the flight was on time, he should/ought to have arrived in Jakarta early this morning."
Should in Offers and Requests
- 'Should' can be used in questions offering help or requesting confirmation/advice: "Should I phone for a taxi for you?"
Shall vs. Should
- In some sentences, 'shall' can replace 'should' with a similar meaning.
- 'I shall' indicates intention, while 'I should' expresses obligation or expectation: "I shall read the script (I intend to)" vs. "I should read the script (but I'm too tired)."
Had Better
- 'Had better' replaces 'should/ought to', mainly in spoken English, for recommendations.
- "If you're not well, you'd better ask Clare to go instead."
- Not used for past events or general comments.
Had Better for Urgency
- Prefer 'had better' for urgency, demands, or threats: "We'd better call the police, quickly."
- Negative form is 'had better not': "He'd better not be late again."
- In questions, subject comes after 'had': "Had we better get a taxi?"
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