You have a friend who is planning on visiting your hometown soon. How should this friend prepare for the trip? Think of ideas related to clothing, the weather, the language and culture, etc.

My friend Tom is in big trouble. He completely forgot his wife’s birthday, and now she’s really upset, and he doesn’t think buying a gift will help, so he needs to get creative.

I told him he might want to write a heartfelt letter, or he could plan a surprise dinner at her favorite restaurant, or even cook something special at home. Of course, he should apologize sincerely in person, without making excuses because that will show he truly cares.

Also, he ought to plan something that reflects their shared memories, maybe a walk in the park where they first met, or recreating their first date, and he has to show he remembered the little things she loves, not just the big gestures. Oh, also, he might want to write a small poem or record a video expressing how much she means to him.

Honestly, he [had] better act quickly, or things might get worse. You just can’t put things off, no matter how difficult it might be.

If Tom follows this advice, he should be able to make it up to her or maybe even strengthen their relationship.

Modals of Advice help us give suggestions, express possibilities, and talk about responsibility or strong recommendations. These include: might, could, should, ought to, have to, and had better.

• Use might and could for possibilities:
  ➤ “You might want to bring a coat.”
  ➤ “We could leave earlier to avoid traffic.”
• Use should and ought to for stronger advice:
  ➤ “You should see a doctor.”
  ➤ “He ought to study more.”
• Use have to for obligations or requirements:
  ➤ “I have to finish this report today.”
• Use had better for urgent advice with possible consequences:
  ➤ “You had better leave now, or you’ll miss the train.”

Understanding modals of advice helps learners follow conversations and give or receive suggestions naturally, especially in real-life situations like work, health, or travel.

Here are some key situations:

• Health or emergencies:
  
  • “You should rest.”
  • “You had better call the doctor.”
• Workplace conversations:
  
  • “You might want to check with the manager.”
    
  • “We have to submit the report today.”
• Friendly advice or warnings:
  
  • “You could try the new café.”
  • “He ought to be more careful.”
• Listening for suggestions:
  
  • If someone says, “You had better back up your files,” they are warning you that something bad could happen.

By practicing how these sound in conversations, students build confidence in both understanding and giving advice politely and clearly.

Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.

We use modals of advice to give helpful suggestions or warnings. These questions will help you speak about different life situations. Try using phrases like You should…, They might…, or We had better… in your answers.

1. Give a Friend Advice:
   
   • What advice would you give a friend who is very tired at work?
     ➤ For example: “He should take a break. He might need more sleep.”
2. Study Advice:
   
   • What should students do if they are failing a class?
     ➤ For example: “They ought to talk to the teacher. They could get extra help.”
3. Workplace Situations:
   
   • What advice can you give someone who is always late for work?
     ➤ For example: “He had better set an earlier alarm. He might lose his job.”
4. Health Tips:
   
   • What should people do if they feel sick?
     ➤ For example: “They should stay home. They have to see a doctor.”
5. Travel Advice:
   
   • What advice would you give to someone flying for the first time?
     ➤ For example: “She might want to arrive early. She should pack light.”
6. Everyday Challenges:
   
   • What advice can you give someone who feels stressed?
     ➤ For example: “They could go for a walk. They ought to talk to a friend.”