We use should to talk about what we think is a good idea for someone to do i.e. to give advice.
You should tell him what you think.
We should leave now, it’s getting late.
ought to
Ought to and should have a very similar meaning. Should is more common than ought to, which is more formal.
It’s almost never used in the negative or question form.
You ought to study law. It's harder to get a job with a knitting degree.
There ought to be more parks in the city centre.
had better
We use had better to talk about actions we think people should do or which are desirable in a specific situation.
Had better is a bit stronger than should because we use it when we think there will be negative consequences if that person doesn’t do what we’re suggesting.
👉 It’s always used in the past (had), but it refers to the present or the future.
It’s almost always shortened to ‘d better → you’d better.
You’d better do your homework. If you don’t, the teacher will give you a low mark.
I’d better not leave my bag there. Someone might steal it.
Pick the correct answer
Which one is more formal?
Pick the correct answer
Which one is stronger?
Pick the correct answer
Her doctor told her that she ____ drink more water.
Pick the correct answer
Which is better?
- should
- ought to
- had better
For the best experience, download the Chatterbug Streams mobile app!
Full Video Duration:
10 minutes
Aired:
over 2 years ago
Download our free Mobile App to Unlock
For full functionality, including answering quizzes,
participating in group chat, tracking your progress and
access to thousands of other videos, download the free Chatterbug mobile app.