Casa ESL · B1 Intermediate · Unit 4 of 20 · Step 1
Modals of Advice: Should, Ought To, Had Better
Name
Date
Vocabulary
recommend
verbTo suggest that someone should do something.
"I recommend taking the earlier train."
suggestion
nounAn idea or plan put forward for someone to think about.
"Can I make a suggestion?"
consequence
nounA result of something that has happened.
"Losing the contract was a consequence of poor planning."
avoid
verbTo keep away from something or prevent it from happening.
"You should avoid eating too much sugar."
essential
adjectiveAbsolutely necessary; extremely important.
"Sleep is essential for good health."
overwork
verbTo work too much or too hard.
"He tends to overwork and forget to rest."
priority
nounSomething that is regarded as more important than other things.
"Your health should be your top priority."
cope
verbTo deal with something difficult successfully.
"She learned to cope with stress through meditation."
Grammar Focus
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
Exercise 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.
Exercise 2
Match each situation to the most appropriate piece of advice.
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
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
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.
Example: I think you should visit the city before you decide to move there. You ought to research the cost of living and job opportunities. You'd better save enough money for at least three months of expenses, because it can take time to find work. You shouldn't rush the decision — take your time and think carefully.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. should see · 2. had better leave · 3. shouldn't spend · 4. ought to review · 5. had better not ignore
Exercise 2
1. I have a job interview tomorrow. → You should prepare some answers to common questions. · 2. I've been feeling very tired lately. → You ought to go to bed earlier. · 3. The deadline is in one hour and I haven't started. → You'd better start immediately. · 4. I want to improve my English. → You should practise speaking every day. · 5. My landlord said he'll change the locks if I don't pay. → You'd better pay the rent today.
Reading Comprehension
1. The writer feels exhausted, can't sleep well, has stopped exercising, and argues with their partner. · 2. She advises the writer ought to talk to their manager about their workload.