Modal Verbs &
Modal Expressions
Usage
Should
used to give personal opinions, recommendations or advices, it can also be used to express
obligation as well as expectation
e.g.
1) Ken Should take this subject! He’d love it.
2) This headache is driving me crazy! I
Should take an aspirin.
3) I think you Should buy this one, Because it looks great on you!
Usage
Ought to
It works on the same way that should does at the moment of giving recommendation or advices
(but only in British English) but it also expresses assumption or expectation, often with the idea
that something is deserved.
e.g.
1) He Ought
2) You Ought
to pass the exam, he has studied a lot.
to get that scholarship! Your grades are brilliant!
3) They Ought
to change the time this week, they promised it last week.
Sometimes is not necessary to add – TO when you advice against something
Get in touch with Grammar
Both modals use the following grammatical structure:
Positive form
MODAL (Should / Ought to) + Verb in Infinitive
e.g.
You should study biology! You’re really good at science
She has eaten a lot! She ought
to gain weight!
Negative Form
MODAL (Should / Ought to) + not + Verb in Infinitive
e.g.
You shouldn’t do that! It’s quite dangerous
She ought
not to pass the course! She’s a complete slub
Exercises
Fill in the gaps by using the most suitable modal verb, there is one example where
you can use both.
Maybe you _________________________ take her advice and go to the doctor, she’s really worried about you.
Should
Why?
Because someone is giving an advice to someone who is probably ill.
Mark _________________________ not drink so much or he’ll turn into an alcoholic
Ought / Should
Why?
The sentence reflects an advice but against something (specific thing or situation)
Kateleen _________________________ get her driving license! She drives perfectly
Ought to
Why?
Because it reflects an expectation with the idea that something is deserved.
Usage
Managed to
it refers to how good did you perform at something in a specific situation
e.g.
1) He was really clever because He managed
to go through that issue brilliantly!
2) We managed
to reply every single question presented by the opposition team
3) She managed
to overcome those tough situations
Usage
It’s time to
The modal expression “It’s time to” is only used to complain about something or criticize against
someone or something
e.g.
1) It’s
time to know the results!
2) I’m afraid I can’t stand it anymore!
3) Hey Stephen! It’s
It’s time to make a decision!
time for you to wake up, we’ve arrived!
Exercises
Circle the correct alternative by using the appropriate modal expression for the
following sentences
Veronica was very sad when she broke up with her ex, but (__) to smile anyway
a)
Managed to
_______
b)
It’s time to
Kelly went out of home very late, but (__) arrive earlier than she thought
a)
Managed to
_______
b)
It’s time to
Can’t wait anymore! (__) make the final marriage proposal
a)
Managed to
b)
It’s time to
_______
She’s still sleeping? (__) wake her up! She has to go to the university!
a)
Managed to
b)
It’s time to
_______
Exercises focused on their Usage
Match the Modals Verbs and Modals Expressions with their Definitions
A) Ought to
___ Expresses assumption or expectation, often with
the idea that something is deserved
B) It’s time to
___ It expresses how good did you perform at
something in a specific situation
C) Managed to
___ It expresses a personal opinion as well as
recommendations or advices
D) Should
___ It expresses criticism against something