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Modals for Advice & Suggestions

Learn how to use should, ought to, and had better for giving advice and making suggestions. Understand sentences like You should try this restaurant vs. You had better study.

What Are Modals for Advice & Suggestions?

Modals for advice and suggestions are used to recommend, advise, or suggest an action that is beneficial, advisable, or suggested. Common modals include should, ought to, and had better.

Why Is This Important?

Using modals like should, ought to, and had better correctly helps you provide appropriate advice and suggestions in both formal and informal contexts.

How to Use 'Should', 'Ought to', and 'Had Better'

'Should' and 'ought to' are often interchangeable and used to give advice or make suggestions. 'Had better' is used for stronger suggestions, often with an implication of possible consequences.

Common Examples

You should try this restaurant. (Advice)
She ought to see a doctor. (Suggestion)
You had better study for the test. (Strong suggestion)

Key Points

  • Use 'should' for general advice or recommendations
    • You should drink more water.
    • He should see a movie this weekend.
  • Use 'ought to' for advice, similar to 'should', but slightly more formal
    • You ought to apologize for your behavior.
    • She ought to take a break.
  • Use 'had better' for stronger advice or warnings
    • You had better start studying for the exam.
    • She had better not be late again.

Rules for Using Modals for Advice & Suggestions

  • Use 'should' for general advice or recommendations

    • You should take a walk after dinner.
    • They should try the new restaurant in town.
    • I think you should talk to your teacher.

  • Use 'ought to' for advice, similar to 'should', but slightly more formal

    • You ought to clean your room.
    • She ought to bring her friend to the party.
    • They ought to be more careful with their decisions.

  • Use 'had better' for stronger suggestions, often with a sense of urgency or warning

    • You had better hurry if you want to catch the bus.
    • I think you had better leave soon.
    • She had better finish the work by tomorrow.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    'Had better' is often used with an implied consequence if the advice is not followed.

  • 'Had better' is more direct and urgent, often used in situations where there is a risk or consequence.

    • You had better apologize to her before it’s too late.
    • She had better not be late again.
ExampleTenseUse
You should try this restaurant.Present'Should' for general advice
She ought to see a doctor.Present'Ought to' for advice, more formal
You had better study for the test.Present'Had better' for strong suggestions or warnings
He should take a break.Present'Should' for general advice

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.