Grammar › Modal Verbs › Should & Ought to
Should & Ought to
'Should', 'ought to' and 'had better' all give advice, with small differences:
- Should — everyday advice and the right thing to do (You should rest).
- Ought to — the same, slightly more formal (You ought to apologise).
- Had better — a strong warning (You'd better hurry).
'Should' takes the base verb (should go). For past advice or regret, use 'should have + past participle': You should have told me.
How to use should, ought to and had better
| Meaning | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday advice | should + base verb | You should drink more water. |
| Slightly formal advice | ought to + base verb | You ought to thank her. |
| Advice with a warning | had better (‘d better) + base verb | You’d better leave now. |
| Past advice / regret | should have + past participle | You should have called. |
Should never changes form (he should, she should) and takes the base verb. Only ought to and had better keep or add extra words.
When to use each
1. Should — the right thing to do
- You should see a doctor about that cough.
- We shouldn’t waste food.
2. Ought to — a touch more formal
- You ought to apologise to your brother.
3. Had better — a warning
- You’d better save your work before it crashes.
⚠️ Typical error: for past advice, use should have + past participle: You should have booked earlier — not
you should booked earlier.
Common mistakes
1. Adding ‘to’ after ‘should’. You should to rest → You should rest.
2. Using the present for past advice. You should call yesterday → You should have called yesterday.
3. Confusing strength. You should evacuate right now or you’ll be hurt (too weak for an emergency) → You’d better evacuate right now. Pro tip: should/ought to = normal advice; had better = advice with a real warning.
✏️ Practice: Should & Ought to
1. You look tired. You ___ get some rest.
2. It's raining hard. You ___ take an umbrella.
3. You ___ apologise to her; it would be the polite thing.
4. We ___ hurry, or we'll miss the last train.
5. I feel sick. — You ___ eaten so much cake.
6. You ___ worry so much; everything will be fine.
7. He failed the test. He ___ harder.
8. Correct this: 'You should to see a dentist.'
9. This milk smells bad. You ___ drink it.
10. Which sentence gives advice about the PAST?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'should' and 'ought to'?
They mean almost the same. 'Ought to' is a little more formal and keeps 'to' (You ought to see a doctor); 'should' takes the base verb (You should see a doctor).
How strong is 'had better'?
Stronger than 'should' — it's advice with a warning about a bad result: You'd better book now, or there'll be no seats.
How do I give advice about the past?
Use 'should have + past participle': You should have told me (but you didn't). For regret: I shouldn't have said that.
Does 'should' change with he/she?
No: he should, she should — never 'she shoulds'. It takes the base verb with no 'to'.
👩🏫 For teachers
CEFR objectives for “Should & Ought to”:
- Can use 'should' and 'shouldn't' to give advice (CEFR A2).
- Can use 'ought to' and 'had better' with the right register and strength.
- Can use 'should have + past participle' for past advice and regret.
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