Casa · B1 Intermediate · Lesson 4 of 20 · Step 1

Giving Advice

Modals of Advice: Should, Ought To, Had Better

Use 'should' and 'shouldn't' to give general advice
Use 'ought to' as a slightly more formal alternative to 'should'
Use 'had better' for stronger advice with an implied warning

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Modals of advice: should, ought to, had better

'Should + infinitive' gives general advice or an opinion about the right thing to do. 'Ought to + infinitive' has a similar meaning but is slightly more formal. 'Had better + infinitive' (often contracted to 'd better) gives stronger advice and implies a negative consequence if the advice is not followed. Note: 'had better' is not a past tense — it refers to the present or future.

You should drink more water during the day.

She ought to apologise for what she said.

You'd better leave now, or you'll miss the train.

He shouldn't work so late every night — it's bad for his health.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence with should, ought to, or had better (+ verb).

1.You (see) a doctor about that cough — it's been two weeks.

2.We (leave) now or we'll be late for the meeting.

3.He (not spend) so much time on social media.

4.Students (review) their notes before the exam.

5.You (not ignore) that warning light on your car.

2. Match each situation to the most appropriate piece of advice.

1.I have a job interview tomorrow.

2.I've been feeling very tired lately.

3.The deadline is in one hour and I haven't started.

4.I want to improve my English.

5.My landlord said he'll change the locks if I don't pay.

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Reading

Advice Column

Dear Anna, I have been working sixty hours a week for the past three months, and I feel exhausted. I can't sleep well, I've stopped exercising, and I argue with my partner almost every evening. I know I should make changes, but I'm worried about falling behind at work. What should I do? — Tired in Tokyo. Dear Tired, You ought to talk to your manager about your workload — most reasonable bosses will understand. You should also set clear boundaries between work and personal time. You'd better start taking care of yourself now, because if you continue like this, you could face serious health problems. Remember, no job is worth sacrificing your wellbeing.

1. What are three problems the writer is experiencing?

2. What does Anna advise about talking to the manager?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Your partner describes a problem they are having (real or invented). Give them advice using should, ought to, and had better. Explain why.

2Discuss with your partner: 'What advice should schools give teenagers about managing stress?' Share your opinions and give reasons.

Writing

A friend has written to you asking for advice about a problem (choose one: moving to a new city, changing careers, or dealing with a difficult colleague). Write 6–8 sentences of advice using should, ought to, and had better.

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Finished?

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