Modals of Advice | ESL Master

Use modals of advice to say what is a good idea, what is not a good idea, or what you expected.

Should And Shouldn’t

Use should to give advice or an opinion.

You look tired. You should go to bed.

I think you should apply for the job.

Use shouldn't to advise against something.

You shouldn't believe everything you read online.

He shouldn't drive so fast.

After should, use the base verb.

Correct: She should call him.

Incorrect: She should to call him.

Asking For Advice

Use Should I...?, Do you think I should...?, or What should I...?.

Question	Example
Should I…?	Should I tell her the truth?
Do you think I should…?	Do you think I should take the job?
What should I…?	What should I do now?

Ought To

Ought to has a similar meaning to should, but it uses to.

You ought to apologise.

He ought not to stay up so late.

Should Have

Use should have + past participle to talk about a good idea in the past that did not happen.

You should have called me. I was worried.

Use shouldn't have + past participle for something that happened but was not a good idea.

I shouldn't have eaten so much.

Had Better

Use had better for strong, immediate advice. It often suggests a possible problem if the advice is not followed.

You had better hurry, or you will miss the train.

In speech, this is often shortened to You'd better hurry.

Common Mistakes

Avoid	Use
You should to rest.	You should rest.
You ought rest.	You ought to rest.
You should called me.	You should have called me.
You better to hurry.	You had better hurry.

Practice

1 / 10

You look sick. You ___ see a doctor.

Summary

Use should and shouldn't for advice and opinions. Use ought to in a similar way, but remember the to. Use should have or shouldn't have for advice about the past. Use had better when the advice feels urgent or there may be a problem.