3.

- SHOULD / OUGHT TO / HAD BETTER:(advisability)

SHOULD / OUGHT TO
FORM
AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE
I
should
You
ought to
study
He
work
She/ it
should not
do
We
go
(shouldnt)
They
ought not to

QUESTION
I
you
Should he
she / it
we
they

study...?
work...?
do...?
go...?

Affirmative Form. Subject + should /ought to + base form of the verb

Examples:
- She should go to the doctor.
- You should always watch the club when you play golf.
- We ought to arrive at the station by 4:00pm.
Negative Form: Subject + shouldnt /ought not to + base form of the verb.
Examples:
- She shouldnt eat a lot of sugar.
- You ought not to get home late.
Question Form: Should + subject + base form of the verb.?
Examples:
- Should I take medicine?
- Should you do exercises?
* ought to is not frequently used in questions.

USE
1.- We use should when something is a good thing to do or the right thing to do.
Examples:
- Its a good restaurant. You should go and try it.
- Susan should get home earlier. She usually gets home very late and
shes always tired.
2.- We use ought to and should to give advice or suggestions in negative or affirmative
form. We often use think in this context.
- I think Arthur should eat less. Hes getting fat.
- I dont think you ought to apply for this job.
- I think you shouldnt sell that old car yet.

3.- For questions, we can also use think in this context. Especially when asking for advice.
- Should I invite Sally to dinner?
- Do you think I should invite Sally to dinner?
4.- We also use should when something is not right or not what we expect.
- I wonder where Fred is. He should be here by now.
(he isnt here yet and this is not normal)
- I think the price on this dress is wrong. It should cost $30; not $13.

HAD BETTER
FORM
AFFIRMATIVE
I
You
He
She
It
We
They

I
You
He
had better stay She
(d better)
It
We
They

NEGATIVE

had better not stay

NOTE:
Had better + base form of the verb, does not often have question form, except for negative
yes-no questions.
- Hadnt you better talk to your boss about the problem?

USE
1. To express advisability.
- I have to meet Lorena in 20 minutes. Id better go out now or Ill be
late.
- Do you think I should take an umbrella?
Yes, youd better. It might rain.
2. To warm somebody that they must do something.
- Youd better not arrive late. (or Ill be disappointed)
- Mr. Well had better sign this document.
(or the providers will reject it)

NOTE:
Had is a past form, but in this expression the meaning is present or future, not past.
- Wed better prepare for our presentation next Monday.

It may sound that should and had better are similar in meaning; however, there is still
difference between them.
- Youd better put out your cigarette; your boss may not like it.
(specific occasion)
- I think all passengers should put out their cigarettes when they go on
board. (in general)
Remember should means it is a good thing to do.
Compare:
- Its a great film. You should go and see it.
(but no problem if you dont)
- The film starts at 8:30 pm. You d better go now or youll be late.
(warning)