Learn: you already know how we can use modal verbs like can, must, or should to talk about ability, rules, or advice. But in English, some other useful modal verbs work in a very similar way, and they can make your speech richer and more precise.
Revise:
1. Let’s begin with grade 1, when you were first introduced to the modal verb "can" to talk about ability: Modal Verb "can"
2. In grade 4, you learned to use "should" and "shouldn’t" when giving advice: Use of "should" and "shouldn't"
3. Next, recall grade 4, when you learned to use "have to" and "don’t have to" to express what’s necessary and what’s not: Usage of "have to" and "don't have to"
4. In grade 5, you learned about "must", "mustn’t", and "have to" for talking about obligations and necessity: "Must", "Mustn't" and "Have to"
5. In grade 6, you learned to use "can", "could", "may", and "might" for talking about ability, permission, and possibility: Modal Verbs "can't", "could", "may", "might"
6. In grade 7, you reviewed how to give advice using "should" and "shouldn’t" and learned to express advice with other structures: How to Give Advice in English
7. In grade 7, you also explored how modal verbs express ideas like ability, permission, necessity, possibility, and obligation: Modal Verbs
As you can see, you already know a lot about modal verbs from grade 1 to grade 7, and this knowledge will help you easily understand and use the new ones we are about to learn.
Learn: when advice needs to sound urgent — almost like a warning — we use "had better". Watch the video to see exactly how it works!
So, what did you learn from this video — let's take a look again!
"Had better (not)" gives strong advice or warnings, often implying that something bad may happen if the advice isn't followed. It’s more forceful than "should" and is usually used in situations where there’s a risk or serious consequences.
Example:
In the video, a short situation is presented to you where the main character Marco is travelling to California: "He had better not forget his passport. Otherwise, he won't be able to get on the plane." This sentence is a strong warning. It’s not just advice like “He should remember his passport.” Instead, it shows that if he forgets, there will be a serious problem (he cannot travel).
The correct structure is: had better (not) + bare infinitive ( = base form of the verb, without "to"). Despite looking past — tense, it refers to present or future advice, not past actions.
Example:
It is sunny there, so he had better pack sunglasses.
When we use "had better" in informal situations, we don’t usually say the full form. We shorten it: had — ’d.
Example:
You had better hurry. = You’d better hurry.
She had better call me. = She’d better call me.
Learn: "ought to" and "should" may look similar, but there’s a difference in how we use them. Watch the video to find out more!
Now let’s go over the main rules step by step, with clear examples, so you can remember how to use "ought to" correctly and its connection to "should".
While we use "should" mainly for advice, suggestions, and opinions, "ought to" is often used for recommendations, obligations, and expectations. It is usually stronger than should and sometimes carries a sense of moral duty.
Example:
They ought to visit the new museum in town. It’s excellent. ( = recommendation)
We ought to respect our elders. ( = obligation)
Guests ought to thank their hosts after a party. ( = expectation)
The sentence structure is: subject + ought to / should + infinitive. Remember: we never use "to" after "should", but we always use "to" after "ought".
Example:
You should call your parents.
You ought to call your parents.
You already know that the negative form of "should" is "should not" (shouldn’t). With "ought to", the negative form is "ought not to" (sometimes written as "oughtn’t to" — grammatically correct, but rarely used).
Example:
He ought not to drive if he’s tired.
She ought not to skip her classes.
We form the interrogative sentences (questions) in the following way:
Ought + subject + to + infinitive = grammatically correct, but rare
Should + subject + infinitive
Example:
Ought we to call the police?
Should I call the police?
Learn: some actions are required, others are not. "Need" and "needn’t" help us express this difference.
The word "need" is special because it can act in two ways:
1. like a main verb;
2. like a modal verb.
When "need" works as a modal verb, it usually appears in negative sentences or questions. It shows that something is not necessary or obligatory. It is followed by a bare infinitive ( = verb without "to"). When "need" as a modal verb occurs in interrogative sentences, this use is much more formal.
Example:
You needn’t worry about that. ( = It’s not necessary for you to worry.)
No one need be surprised. ( = It’s not necessary to be surprised.)
Need you make so much noise? (formal question)
"Need", as a modal verb, does not have a past tense form. Needn't + have + past participle, however, is used for actions which were performed but were unnecessary.
Example:
We needn't have bought any milk. We still have plenty at home. ( = we bought some milk, but it wasn't necessary)
Atsauce:
American English "Modal Verbs: Had Better" at youtube.com
Sparkle English "Should VS Ought To - What's the Difference? | English Grammar Modal Verbs + QUIZ" at youtube.com
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