Shall, should and ought to are similar and can be used in various ways. ​Let’s take a look at each one in detail.

modal verb – shall

Here are the ways in which we use ‘shall’ as a modal.

  • suggestion (offer a solution)
  • offer (propose help)

 

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘shall’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

modal verb - shall
modal verb - shall

modal verb – should

You should have heard the word ‘should’ used frequently in English. You should be using it too. Here are the ways in which we use ‘should’ as a modal.

‘Should’ can be used to show:

  • prediction (likelihood of something happening)
  • advice (to advise someone)
  • suggestion (offer a solution)​
  • offer (propose help)​

 

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘should’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

modal verb - should
modal verb - should
modal verb - should
modal verb - should
modal verb - should
modal verb - should

modal verb – ought to

Here is an odd-looking word that you ought to know. Take a look at the ways in which we use ‘ought to’ as a modal.

  • ‘Ought to’ can be used to show:
    advice (to advise someone)

 

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘ought to’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

modal verb - ought to

modal verbs quiz – shall, should & ought to

You should now test yourself with this quiz, it’s easy, you ought to get full marks.

modal verbs quiz - shall, should & ought to

answers :   1. shouldn’t   2. should   3. shall/should   4. ought to/should    5. shall   6. shall/should   7. shouldn’t    8. ought to/should