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The Wonders of Nature

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

Answer is C: Should.

This is because the father is assumption and recommend the thought that her son is in the
house.

2. I think your thumb is broken. You ___ go to the emergency room.

a. Might b. could c. ought to d. can

Answer is C: Ought to.

This is because it’s a formal recommendation that the person should seek for the medical

assist as soon as possible.

Double concept Modal

The model verbs have more than one meaning and usage.

Example Meaning Modal Meaning Example