Giving advice is an essential part of communication, and in English, there are specific ways to convey it effectively. Two of the most common modal verbs used to give advice are “should” and “ought to.” Understanding when and how to use these can significantly enhance your communication skills. In this article, we will delve deeply into the usage, differences, and nuances of “should” and “ought to.”
Understanding “Should”
“Should” is a modal verb that is frequently used in English to give advice, make recommendations, or express a necessity. Its versatility makes it a crucial part of everyday conversation.
Basic Structure of “Should”
The basic structure for using “should” is straightforward:
Subject + should + base form of the verb
For example:
– You should eat more vegetables.
– They should arrive on time.
Using “Should” to Give Advice
“Should” is most commonly used to give advice. When you think something is a good idea for someone to do, you use “should.”
Examples:
– You should see a doctor if you’re feeling unwell.
– He should apologize for his mistake.
Expressing Expectations and Recommendations
“Should” can also be used to express expectations or recommendations. This is often seen in formal settings such as business or academic environments.
Examples:
– All employees should adhere to the company’s code of conduct.
– Students should submit their assignments by the due date.
Negative Form of “Should”
To give negative advice or suggest that something is not a good idea, you use “should not” or the contraction “shouldn’t.”
Examples:
– You shouldn’t drive if you’re feeling tired.
– She shouldn’t skip meals.
Using “Should” for Probability
Another use of “should” is to indicate a high degree of probability or expectation about something happening.
Examples:
– The package should arrive by tomorrow.
– He should be at work now.
Exploring “Ought To”
“Ought to” is another modal verb used to give advice, express duty, or indicate a probable action. While similar to “should,” “ought to” carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation or correctness.
Basic Structure of “Ought To”
The structure for “ought to” is just as straightforward as “should”:
Subject + ought to + base form of the verb
For example:
– You ought to respect your elders.
– She ought to finish her homework.
Using “Ought To” for Stronger Advice
When you want to give stronger advice or suggest a moral obligation, “ought to” is appropriate.
Examples:
– You ought to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
– He ought to tell the truth.
Expressing Duty and Moral Obligation
“Ought to” often implies a sense of duty or moral obligation, making it suitable for more serious recommendations.
Examples:
– We ought to help those in need.
– You ought to vote in the elections.
Negative Form of “Ought To”
The negative form of “ought to” is “ought not to,” although it is less commonly used than “shouldn’t.”
Examples:
– You ought not to lie.
– They ought not to waste resources.
Using “Ought To” for Probability
Similar to “should,” “ought to” can also be used to indicate a high degree of probability or expectation.
Examples:
– The results ought to be ready by now.
– She ought to have arrived by this time.
Comparing “Should” and “Ought To”
While both “should” and “ought to” are used to give advice and express expectations, there are subtle differences in their usage.
Level of Formality
“Should” is more commonly used in everyday conversation and is considered less formal. “Ought to,” on the other hand, is slightly more formal and is often used in written English or formal speech.
Example:
– Informal: You should check out that new restaurant.
– Formal: You ought to check out that new restaurant.
Strength of Advice
“Ought to” generally implies a stronger sense of obligation or moral correctness compared to “should.” Therefore, “ought to” can be used when the advice carries more weight or importance.
Example:
– Less Strong: You should be careful with your words.
– Stronger: You ought to be careful with your words.
Frequency of Use
“Should” is much more frequently used in both spoken and written English compared to “ought to.” This makes “should” a more versatile choice for giving advice in various contexts.
Practical Examples and Exercises
To fully grasp the use of “should” and “ought to,” let’s look at some practical examples and exercises.
Example Sentences
1. Advice:
– You should try to get more sleep.
– You ought to try to get more sleep.
2. Recommendations:
– Visitors should wear comfortable shoes.
– Visitors ought to wear comfortable shoes.
3. Probability:
– She should be home by now.
– She ought to be home by now.
Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks with “should” or “ought to”:
– You ___________ listen to your parents.
– He ___________ not be so rude.
– They ___________ have finished the project by now.
2. Rewrite the sentences using “should” or “ought to”:
– It is advisable for you to see a dentist.
– It is a good idea for them to prepare for the exam.
– It is necessary for her to arrive on time.
Answers:
1.
– You should listen to your parents.
– He ought to not be so rude.
– They should have finished the project by now.
2.
– You should see a dentist. / You ought to see a dentist.
– They should prepare for the exam. / They ought to prepare for the exam.
– She should arrive on time. / She ought to arrive on time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to use “should” and “ought to,” there are some common mistakes that learners often make.
Using “Should” with the Wrong Verb Form
Incorrect: You should to go to the doctor.
Correct: You should go to the doctor.
Remember, after “should,” always use the base form of the verb without “to.”
Confusing “Should” and “Must”
“Must” implies a stronger necessity or obligation than “should.”
Incorrect: You should wear a seatbelt while driving. (If meant as a strict rule)
Correct: You must wear a seatbelt while driving.
Using “Ought To” in Informal Contexts
“Ought to” is slightly more formal than “should,” so using it in very casual conversations might sound awkward.
Incorrect: Dude, you ought to check out that new game!
Correct: Dude, you should check out that new game!
Double Negatives
Avoid using double negatives when forming negative sentences with “should” or “ought to.”
Incorrect: You shouldn’t never lie.
Correct: You shouldn’t lie.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “should” and “ought to” is a valuable skill for any English learner. Both modal verbs serve to give advice, make recommendations, and express expectations, but they do so with slight differences in formality and strength. Understanding these nuances will enable you to communicate more effectively and appropriately in various contexts. Practice using them in your daily conversations and written communications to become more comfortable and proficient.
Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and making mistakes is part of that journey. Keep practicing, and soon using “should” and “ought to” will become second nature. Happy learning!
