Should-ought-better

Should / ought to / had better

They are MODAL VERBS and used to give advice, or say what is the right thing to do.

English speakers use the modal verbs “should,” “ought to” and “had better” to express that they think something is a good (or a bad) idea. “Should” is the most common way to give advice.

Look at these examples:

Affirmative Negative Question

A: I failed my test.

B: Really? You should studyharder. Young children shouldn't watch violent TV shows. I have a problem. Should I callmy parents or my friend?

A: It's really cold outside.

B: You ought to wear a warm jacket. (“ought to” is not usually used in the negative form) (“ought to” is not common in question form)

A: You had better slow down. You are driving too fast! You had better not forget to pay your tuition. If you do, the university will kick you out! (“had better” is not usually used in question form)

These examples have the same basic advice message, but “had better” is a bit stronger. It includes the idea of a warning: something bad will happen if you do not follow my advice.

For example:

• You had better not forget to pay your tuition. If you forget, the university will kick you out

• You had better do your homework. If you do not do your homework, the teacher will give you a low mark.

• I have a very important meeting at 8, I had better not be late!

Note: “You had better...” can be contracted to become “You'd better....” This is correct grammar, and very common in speaking. Some native speakers say, “You better ...,” but this is incorrect. The “had” is necessary in good grammar.

In the above examples, you can see that the modals are followed by the simple form of a verb in these patterns.

AFFIRMATIVE FORM

Subject + modal + basic verb + rest

You should study harder.

You should call your friend to thank her.

You ought call your friend to thank her.

Examples of incorrect forms

• You should to study harder. Wrong!

• You had better slowing down. Wrong!

• She ought to to drink more water. Wrong!

INTERROGATIVE FORM

Modal + subject + basic verb + rest ?

Should I call my parents or my friend?

What should I do about my problem?

Where should we have dinner tonight?

Why should you believe them?

When should they call their boss?

NEGATIVE FORM

Subject + modal + not + basic verb + rest

You should not tell

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