italki - How do you give advice?? Modal verbs for giving advice have different nuances

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Suzie Worthington

How do you give advice??

Modal verbs for giving advice have different nuances - subtle differences in what they mean.

"You could do this...."

Could -used to indicate possibility (it may happen, it may not happen.)

"You should do this..."

Should -used to indicate internal obligation (inside/personal) or you feel you have a duty - a doctor is obliged to treat a patient.

"You ought to do this..."

Ought -used to indicate internal obligation. Should is used more communly than ought.

Consider these sentences:

"I could get to work on time."

Does it sound like this person is worried about getting to work on time?

"I should stop speaking to my friends on the phone at work."

Does this person feel bad about speaking on the phone?

"I ought to take my jacket as it might rain."

Think of where the intonation is:

"My friend stays up all night!"

"He shouldn't be doing that!"

What words do you use when you give advice?

If we didnt use could/should/ought and just said "Stop using the phone" or "Go to bed!" The advice becomes an order.

3 okt. 2019 09:00

Suzie Worthington

Taalvaardigheden

Engels, Frans

Taal die wordt geleerd

Frans

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