English Modals

[tony1_hk]

When expressing the idea of advisability, what are the differences in connotation among should, ought to and had better?

In what situations would we use one and not the others?

[tedtmc]

All the three verbs indicate obligation or duty. They look the same to me.
I think they could be used interchangeably. No?

[Tdol]

Not always:

You'd better not do that again! - Here, it's a threat and shouldn't/ought not wouldn't carry the same meaning or force.

[rewboss]

"Should" and "ought to" are very similar in meaning; both can express either a suggestion or a moral obligation, although "should" is better for a suggestion and "ought to" for an obligation.

In the negative, "oughtn't" is not often used; native speakers prefer "shouldn't" or "mustn't".

Please tell me what is the question tag used for the sentence containg "ought to"?
ex.: You ought to see a doctor,.....oughtn`t you? or..."don`t you [think so]"?
Thank you

Please tell me what is the question tag used for the sentence containg "ought to"?
ex.: You ought to see a doctor,.....oughtn`t you? or..."don`t you [think so]"?
Thank you


and another question:
What are the rules of using "it is high time[it is time]" in the English sentence?

[tony1_hk]

It is not related to question tag.
Reply to sheena55ro:
It is high time + gerund

From rewboss:
"Should" and "ought to" are very similar in meaning; both can express either a suggestion or a moral obligation, although "should" is better for a suggestion and "ought to" for an obligation.

Would rewboss give some examples? What is an obligation? How is it diffferent from suggestion?

Thank you!

[Tdol]

Originally Posted by sheena55ro

Please tell me what is the question tag used for the sentence containg "ought to"?
ex.: You ought to see a doctor,.....oughtn`t you? or..."don`t you [think so]"?
Thank you

Oughtn't you?
ought you not?

[Tdol]

Originally Posted by sheena55ro

What are the rules of using "it is high time[it is time]" in the English sentence?

It is time + infinitive
It's time to go
It's (high) time + subject + past tense
It's time we left
It's high time he grew up.
(Note that high time can't take an infinitive form)

[tony1_hk]

To sum up the opinions:

"Should" and "ought to" have similar meaning to express either a suggestion or a moral obligation.

But "should" is better for a suggestion and "ought to" for an obligation.

We seldom use "ought" in negative sides and questions.

"had better" shows a threat.

Are the followings right or wrong?

1. had better > ought to > should
2. "ought" to is less common than "should" in written and spoken English
3. "should" is often used in instructions
4. "had better" is especially used in spoken English