SDC - Intermediate - Grammar - Obligations and Recommendations

Summary of Obligations and Recommendations

 There are degrees when we discuss suggestions and obligations. These usually go as follows:

•     I think you should wear a suit for the interview.
•     I think you ought to wear a suit for the interview.
•     I think you'd better wear a suit for the interview.

   

•     You('ve) got to wear a suit for the interview.
•     You have to wear a suit for the interview.
•     You must wear a suit for the interview.

I. Remember that "should" and "ought to" have the same meaning, but "ought to" is more formal and less common. What do you recommend in these situations. Use Should or Ought to.

   A:  I don't know what happened to the computer.
   B: I think you should turn it off and on again. I think you ought to call the help desk.

1.     I'd like to get a new car.
2.     I want to lose some weight.
3.     I'm working too much these days.
4.     My job's not fulfilling enough.
5.     I have some terrible pains in my stomach.
6.     My people don't know how to work as a team.

II. Sometimes the recommendations are stronger and then we explain the possible consequences. React to these situations. Use Had better to give strong advice and then complement with a consequence using could.

A: I got a stain on my coat.

B: You'd better wash the stain off or you could give a bad impression with customers.
    You'd better put a scarf on or the boss could see you and tell you off.

1. I passed a red light today in the morning.
2. I forgot to bring my name tag and company ID.
3. I'm not sure I locked the front door.
4. I think I've just lost my wallet.
5. I can't remember if I paid my Internet bill.

III. What are some of your obligates for this week. Use GOT TO to tell us about them

1. meet my boss.
2. visit stores.
3. finish a project.
4. make a presentation.
5. give a presentation.
6. give a training course
7. have training course
8. attend an important event.
9. interview people.
10. talk to customers.