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5.5: Modals of Advice

  • Page ID
    375007
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    Modal Verbs of Advice: Should, Ought to, Had Better
    Modal Positive Form Negative Form Usage Notes
    SHOULD Subject + should + base verb "You should check the trail conditions before hiking Santiago Peak." "We should bring extra water for the Crystal Cove backcountry trails." Subject + should not/shouldn't + base verb "You shouldn't hike alone on the Modjeska Peak trail." "We shouldn't forget our headlamps for Sitton Peak."

    General advice

    Most common modal for advice. Used for suggestions and recommendations. Neutral tone.

    The positive form shows that it's a good idea.

    The negative form shows that it's a bad idea.

    OUGHT TO Subject + ought to + base verb "Hikers ought to respect the wildlife at Santiago Oaks." "You ought to start early for the Silverado Canyon hike." ⚠️ Important: Negative form "ought not to" is rarely used in modern American English.

    Use "shouldn't" or "should not" instead.
    More formal advice

    More formal than "should." Often implies moral obligation or strong recommendation.

    Pronunciation: often spoken as "odda"
    HAD BETTER Subject + had better + base verb contractions: 'd better "You'd better wear sturdy boots for the rocky Trabuco Canyon trail." "We'd better leave now if we want to catch sunrise at Santiago Peak." Subject + had better not + base verb contractions: 'd better not "You'd better not go without me." "We'd better not ignore the weather warnings for Saddleback Mountain." Warning/Threat

    Strongest of the three modals. Implies negative consequences if advice is ignored. Can sound threatening.

    5.5: Modals of Advice is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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