Line英会話クラス

Line英会話クラス
Written By Kristopher Matheson

Lesson Plan July 24, 2026

Topic: Modal Verbs (3)

In this lesson we will learn about ways of giving advice using should, ought to, and had better.

Read the following information

Runner: Hey coach! What should I do to train better?
Coach: Well, you should train every day for two hours and you shouldn’t go to bed so late or eat so many hamburgers. You also ought to buy some better running shoes. The next competition is in two weeks, so you’d better start training immediately.

My new training programme

  • eat hamburgers (NO)

  • buy new shoes (YES)

  • start training now (YES)

  • go to bed late (NO)

  • train for two hours a day (YES)

Section A: Should & Ought to

You use should (natural, friendly, everyday; use this 95% of the time) and ought to (formal, traditional, moral) when you give advice or ask for advice.

  • You should eat more vegetables.

  • You shouldn’t work so many long hours. You ought to spend more time with your family.

  • I’ve lost my passport. What should I do?

Section B: Had better (‘d better)

You can also use had better for giving advice. However, it’s NOT just regular advice—it carries a warning or consequence if the advice isn't followed

  • We’d better stop for gas. The tank looks low, we don’t want to run out.

  • You had better put on sunscreen, or you’re going to get a terrible sunburn!

  • You had better leave now, or you'll miss your flight!

In negative sentence you say had better not.

  • We’re having a big meal later so you’d better not eat too much now.

Kristopher Matheson

Hello, I'm Kristopher, a Canadian teaching English & photographer in Japan. I am primarily interested in urban environments and the people found there, as well as abstractionism in architecture and landscapes.

http://www.krismatheson.com
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Everyday English (Vocabulary Building)