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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.

Lesson Notes

Words & Phrases

• I went to an exhibition at the National Art Centre.

  • The Paul Smith designs really matched Picasso's artwork.

  • Paul Smith is (an) English (fashion designer).

• Does everyone like to use frozen foods or prepared foods these days? (You can also use “semi-prepared foods” or “convenience foods”)

• In this heat I prefer to stay home and catch up on recorded dramas.

Modal Verbs (3)

• "Ought you to be out of bed?” → It is Grammatically possible, but practically unnatural. Nowadays, speakers almost never use “ought to" in questions.

  • Use “Should you be out of bed?”

• "I had better tidy my room." (strong adice / warning)

  • "I should tidy my room." (gneral good idea)

• (Incorrect ) You don't should go to work if you are ill.

  • (Correct) “You shouldn’t go to work if you are ill” (Don’t use “do / don’t / doesn’t” with modal verbs)

• Which is the best advice for “I'm late for the train!”

  • b. You ought not to have slept in!

    • Why it is right: You are late because you woke up late! This sentence explains the real reason for your problem.

    • Grammar Tip: We use "ought not to have + past verb" to talk about a past mistake.

Grammatically Correct vs Actual Speech

• “I had better get home for dinner before my parents get angry.”

  • 100% Grammatically Correct (Standard English).

• "I better get home for dinner before my parents get angry.”

  • Very Common Casual/Spoken English (Informal).

  • In fast everyday conversation, speakers often drop the “‘d" sound completely, leaving just "I better…”. (short for [had] better)

  • Also used in text messages and casual emails