Should / Had Better

Should is a modal verb that has more than one meaning. The obvious meaning is that we use it to give advice (eg. You should quit smoking), but it could also mean that you expect something to happen in the future (eg. John called and told me he’s on his way. He should be here soon). The past tense of should is should have + PP.

Had better is similar to should, but it’s used for more urgent advice with bad consequences if you don’t follow it (eg. You had better quit smoking or you’ll die).

Lesson by Sebastian, teacher at EC Cape Town English school

Now complete these sentences with the correct words:

• 1. You ___ not be late again or you'll lose your job.
  
  should have
  should
  'd better
  
  
• 2. You ___ start waking up earlier.
  
  should have
  should
  'd better
  
  
• 3. Why are you so late?! You ___ arrived sooner.
  
  should
  should have
  'd better
  
  
• 4. John is late again, he ___ gotten here 30 minutes ago
  
  should have
  should
  'd better
  
  
• 5. The movie's going to start soon, we ___ leave soon or we’ll miss it.
  
  'd better
  should have
  should
  
  
• 6. I saw a really great action movie last night, you ___ see it.
  
  should
  should have
  'd better
  
  
• 7. I studied hard for the test this week, I ___ be able to pass it.
  
  'd better
  should
  should have
  
  
• 8. Dad said he’d punish you if he caught you drunk again. You ___ not do it again.
  
  'd better
  should have
  should