Modal Verbs - Should, Shouldn’t, Ought To Explanations and Exercises

Shall, Should, Ought to

To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are quite sure of a positive answer)

Shall + subject + base form of the verb

1.    Shall we go for a walk?

Note: Shall is only used with I or we. It is used instead of will only in formal English.

To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are not sure of a positive answer)

Should + subject + base form of the verb

1.    Should I call a doctor?

A Prediction or Expectation that Something Will Happen

should/shouldn’t + base form of the verb

1.    The proposal should be finished on time.

2.    I shouldn’t be late. The train usually arrives on time.

To Give Advice

should / ought to + base form of the verb

1.    You should check that document before you send it out.

2.    You ought to have your mobile phone serviced before the holiday.

To Give Advice (about something you think wrong or unacceptable)

shouldn’t + base form of the verb

1.    James shouldn’t teach him words like those.

Exercises: Should, Shouldn’t, Ought To

Fill in should, shouldn’t or ought in the following sentences as in the example.

1.    He shouldn’t encourage such bad behavior.

1.    You _____ get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

2.    The house ______ be ready to move into by next month. It’s almost finished.

3.    Ron ________ to improve his attitude. If he doesn’t, he might get fired.

4.    ________ I get your jacket? It’s cold in here.

5.    You ________ put your feet on the table. It’s not polite.

Answers:

1.    should

2.    should

3.    ought

4.    shall

5.    shouldn’t