Grammar: B1 - 🔑 Modals & Related Structures: Certainty, Possibility, Advice, Obligation - Lesson 2: Modals of Advice (should, ought to, shouldn't)

Grammar: Modals of Advice

B1 Lesson 2: Giving Suggestions

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use should, ought to, and shouldn't to give and ask for advice and recommendations.

Giving Advice vs. Giving Orders

After learning about strong obligation with 'must', we now look at a softer modal verb for giving advice. When you give advice, you are not giving an order; you are giving a helpful suggestion or recommendation. The most important modals for this are should, ought to, and shouldn't.

The Grammar Rule 📖

How to Give Advice

Positive Advice: "should" and "ought to"

Use these when you think something is a good idea. 'Should' is most common.

Structure: Subject + should / ought to + verb (infinitive)

"You look tired. You should get some rest."
"You ought to visit the museum."

Negative Advice: "shouldn't"

Use this when you think something is a bad idea.

Structure: Subject + shouldn't + verb (infinitive)

"It's going to rain. You shouldn't go out now."

A Conversation in Kampot

A tourist is asking a local person, Dara, for recommendations.

Tourist: "Excuse me, what should I see while I'm in Kampot?"

Dara: "You should definitely go up Bokor Mountain. You ought to go in the morning before it gets too hot."

Tourist: "Great idea! What about food?"

Dara: "You shouldn't miss the fresh seafood. But if you don't like spicy food, you should tell the chef."

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise: What's the Advice?

Choose the best option to complete each sentence.

1. You look sick. You _______ see a doctor.
   → should / ought to (This is good advice.)
2. That road is very dark and dangerous at night. You _______ drive on it alone.
   → shouldn't (This is negative advice for safety.)
3. A: "I'm bored." B: "You _______ visit the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus. It's amazing!"
   → should (This is a recommendation.)
4. "_______ I buy the red shirt or the blue one? What's your opinion?"
   → Should (This is a question asking for advice.)
5. He wants to pass his exam. He _______ study more and he _______ play games all night.
   → should / shouldn't

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Give Some Advice

Write a sentence giving advice for each situation.

1. Your friend is always tired in the morning. What advice can you give? (Use 'should' and 'shouldn't'.)
2. A tourist asks for a food recommendation in your city. (Use 'ought to'.)
3. Your friend wants to improve their English. Ask a question to offer advice.

Key Vocabulary

• Advice (Noun) | ដំបូន្មាន
  An opinion that someone offers you about what you should do in a particular situation.
• Suggestion (Noun) | ការផ្ដល់យោបល់
  An idea, plan, or action that is suggested or recommended.
• Recommendation (Noun) | ការណែនាំ
  A suggestion that something is good or suitable for a particular purpose or job.