Probability: should/ought to/will

SHOULD/OUGHT TO are used to say that something is (not) probably true or that it will (not) probably happen.

SHOULD	+	BE/DO (Present Infinitive)
OUGHT TO

Rita should/ought to be at work by now. She's normally there at this time.

They should/ought to be here soon.

WILL is used to say that something will (not) probably happen in the future.

WILL + BE/DO (Present Infinitive)

You won't get much sympathy from them.

Exercise 26. Match column A with column B. Use should/ought to to express certainty.

Example: We couldn't get economy class tickets so we are travelling business class. Well, at least it should/ought to be a comfortable trip.

A	B
1. We couldn't get economy class tickets so we're travelling business class. 2. Our hotel is right out in the country. 3. Bob has invited me to his housewarming party. 4. Jill and Jo are going to England for a holiday this winter. 5. The weather forecast for tomorrow is terrible.	a. Well, at least it be a comfortable trip. b. It be really interesting. c. Yes. It be a nasty day. d. That's great. It be nice and quiet there. e. That be fun.

SHOULD/OUGHT TO is used:

1) to say that you expected something to happen, but it did not happen.

Brenda should/ought to have been home by now. (But she hasn't come yet.)

2) to express the speaker's feeling that a mistake was made.

You shouldn't/oughtn't to have told me the answer.

SHOULD	+	have done (Perfect Infinitive)
OUGHT TO

Exercise 27. Choose the most suitable response to each comment or question.

Example: What did I do wrong? — A

A. You shouldn't have connected these two wires.

B. You should connect these two wires.

1. You forgot my birthday again!

A. Sorry, I should have looked into my diary.

B. Sorry, I ought to look into my diary.

2. It was a mistake to buy that car.

A. Yes, I shouldn't have bought that car.

B. Yes, I should buy another one.

3. We've missed the turning.

A. We oughtn't to turn left.

B. We ought to have turned left.

Requests: could/would/can/will

Could you?	+	are used
Would you?			1) when you want to ask someone to help you;
Can you?			2) when you want to tell someone to do something.
Will you?

Could /Can /Will you post this letter for me?

Could /Would /Can /Will you switch on the light?

NOTE:

Could you? and Would you? are used in formal situations.

Could you? is more polite than Would you?

Exercise 28. Make requests with the following words.

Example: do/me/a favour? — Could/Would/Can/Will you do me a favour?

1. tell/me/where the hospital is?

2. answer/the phone?

3. pass/me/that newspaper?

4. give/me/a bit of advice?

Offers: can/could/shall/will/would

Can I…
Could I…	are used when you are offering to do something for someone.
Shall I...

Can I/Could I/Shall I help you with the dishes?

Would you like? Will you?
	are used when you are offering something to someone.

Would you like a drink?/Would you like to come for a meal?

Will you have another biscuit?/Will you come to my party on Saturday?

NOTE: Would is more formal than will.

Exercise 29. Make offers with the following words.

Example: open/the door/for you? — Can I/Could I/Shall I open the door for you?

1. switch off/the light?

2. carry/some bags/for you?

3. give/you/an umbrella?

4. offer/you/something to drink?

Exercise 30. Match the sentences with the offers.

1. You look thirsty.	a. Would you like a sandwich?
2. It's a long way to town .	b. Will you call on me tonight?
3. I hope you are free this evening.	c. Would you like a lift?
4. You must be hungry.	d. Will you have a drink?