EHL100 modals advice

EHL100
Modals & giving advice

By Andriana Manoli

What Are Modals?

Modals are helping verbs that we use with another verb to show advice, possibility, ability, permission, or necessity.

They are always followed by the base form of the verb (go, eat, drink, etc.).

• should / shouldn’t

• can / could

• may / might

• must / mustn’t

• had better

Important:

• Modals do not change form.

  • No “-s”, no “-ed”, no “-ing”.

  • He should go. (NOT He shoulds goes.)

• They are the same with all subjects: I/you/he/she/they should…

• They are not followed by TO (She should To go)

should / shouldn’t – the most common for advice

• You should drink more water.

• You shouldn’t eat too much sugar.

had better / had better not – stronger advice, usually with a warning about a negative result

• You had better study for the test.

• You had better not forget your passport.

can / could / may / might – when suggesting possibilities (more polite)

• You could try a new exercise.

• You may want to check your work carefully.

We usually use will / might / could + verb for the result.

• You should eat less sugar. → You will feel healthier.

• You shouldn’t stay up late. → You might feel tired tomorrow.

• You had better take an umbrella. → You won’t get wet.

Key idea:

• Advice = modal (should, had better)

• Result = future possibility (will / might / could)

​Explaining Possible Results

When we give advice, sometimes we also explain what could happen if someone follows or ignores it.

Advice (Modal)	Possible Result

You should wear a coat.

You won’t get cold.

You shouldn’t eat too much chocolate.

You might get a stomachache.

You had better take a taxi.

You won’t be late.

You could ask your teacher.

You might understand the lesson better.

Giving advice & ​Explaining Possible Results

Multiple Choice

You have an exam tomorrow. You ______ study tonight.

• had better

• shouldn't

• could

Multiple Choice

That café is very good. You ______ try their coffee.

• had better

• could

• may

Multiple Choice

Don’t touch that wire. You ______ do that — it’s dangerous.

• had better

• had better not

• shouldn't

Multiple Choice

You shouldn’t stay up late. You ______ be tired tomorrow.
(possible)

• may

• should

• will