Should Should have Ought to Ought to have

Should is a modal auxiliary that we use very frequently in English:To give advice or a recommendation:

To give our opinion about something.

To say what we think is a good idea or the right thing to, do in our opinion.

You should study before an important exam.

ExamplesYou ought to exercise more often.Mark shouldnt go out to play with his friends. Important note:we dont usually use ought to in the negative; shouldnt is preferred.Back to CONTENTSSome auxiliaries have a past tense form. For instance:Past tense forms:should + ought toThe past tense of CAN = COULDThe past tense of WILL = WOULD BUT, SHOULD and OUGHT TO dont have a simple past tense construction like CAN or WILL .Consider these examples . . .You should stop smoking.(I suggest that you stop smoking)

You must stop smoking.(It is necessary that you stop) Should is not as strong as: had bettermusthave to

The mother told her child:You shouldnt eat too much candy, or youll get sick.

The negative of should is SHOULD NOT

The contraction (short) form is often used with the negative, especially in spoken English:

Be careful!Should and ought to are both auxiliaries. Remember this important rule.Ought to is another way to say should; however should is more common.After an auxiliary verb use the simple form of verbs.Back to CONTENTSFURTHER PRACTICE

For more practice on line check out the following web pages on line.http://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/exercises/should-ought-need_quiz1.htmhttp://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/330-modals-advice1.htmhttp://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/330-modals-advice2.htmBack to STARTWhen Americans use OUGHT TO, it often sounds like OTTA.

Practice saying these sentences:

1. You ought to study for the test tonight.

2. The government ought to raise the minimum wage.

3. We ought to get together for lunch.Pronunciation tipsBack to CONTENTSPractice makes perfect!Make sentences with SHOULD and OUGHT TOWhat would you say in the following situations:Use should:Your sister needs to get into shape.Your classmate doesnt understand the grammar.Use ought to:Your friend wants to take a computer class.Your mother doesnt feel well. ShouldorOught toTo use SHOULD and OUGHT TO in the past, we do the following:+HAVE+Past participle of main verbExamples:The party was great! You should have come.I feel sick. I shouldnt have eaten so much.I didnt pass the test. I ought to have studied more.We missed a lot of grammar practice this morning. We SHOULDVE come to class earlier.Contractions with SHOULD are common, especially in spoken in English:I SHOULDNT HAVE spent so much time at the caf with my friends. Now, Im late for work.

Back to CONTENTSYour friend had a job interview yesterday, but she was late because she got lost. She didnt look up the companys address before the interview. You SHOULD/OUGHT TO HAVE looked up the address.Back to CONTENTS6. SHOULD and OUGHT TO are modal auxiliaries. They are followed by the simple form of the main verb .

7. When we use SHOULD and OUGHT TO in the past, they are followed by HAVE + the past participle of the main verb.8. Contractions (short forms) are frequently used for SHOULD. Examples: SHOULDNT= SHOULD NOTSHOULDVE= SHOULD HAVE

Back to CONTENTSIm not good at sports.

I got bad grades this semester.

Im always late for school.

Im a bit overweight.

I dont have many friends.

My car broke down.

I had an argument with my girlfriend.

Back to CONTENTSIf you have difficulties understanding this grammar, YOU SHOULDNT KEEP QUIET.

You should ask a classmate or your teacher for help or for more explanation. You should also keep practicing! GOOD LUCK!