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Modal Concept Example

Will Future I will go to Paris.

Might Small probability I might want to eat again tonight.

Should Recommendation I should have bought the green coat.

Ought to Formal recommendation You ought to buy the house as its so cheap.

Had better Warning You had better start studying or else you will
fail in the test.

Tips and trick!

Question: What is the difference of should/ought to/had better?

Answer: There are three auxiliary verbs that you can use to give advice.

❖ There are three auxiliary verbs that you can use to give advice.
They are should, ought to, and had better.
You should put cool water on a burn.
You ought to put cool water on a burn.
You had better put cool water on a burn.

❖ Although all three have the meaning of should, "had better" is stronger because it
implies a negative consequence if you don't follow the advice.

❖ Another difference is that usually ought to and had better are not used with
questions.
Should I put cool water on a burn?
Ought I to put cool water on a burn?
Had better I put cool water on a burn?

Practise!
1. My son ___ be home by now. Where can he be?
a. have to b. would c. should d. could