1. What is an Auxiliary Verb?
Auxiliary Verbs are verbs that are primarily used in conjunction with other verbs to complement or modify their meanings. Auxiliary verbs are primarily used to clarify tense, mood, voice, possibility, and other meanings of verbs, playing a very important role in English. Common auxiliary verbs include ‘be’, ‘do’, and ‘have’, while auxiliary verbs that express ability, permission, obligation, etc., include ‘can’, ‘may’, ‘must’, ‘should’, and ‘ought to’.
2. Overview of Should and Ought to
Both ‘should’ and ‘ought to’ are auxiliary verbs primarily used to indicate obligation or recommendation. The two words have very similar meanings, but there are subtle differences depending on the context of use.
– Should: Generally used to indicate advice or recommendation.
– Ought to: Tends to indicate obligation while emphasizing a moral or ethical strength.
3. Use of Should
3.1. Obligation or Recommendation
‘Should’ is used to express that a certain action is desirable. For example, the sentence You should see a doctor. conveys the meaning of ‘You should meet with a doctor’, encouraging the other person to care about their health.
3.2. Prediction
‘Should’ can also be used to express a prediction about something that will happen. For example, the sentence He should arrive soon. indicates the prediction that he will arrive soon.
3.3. Criticism
‘Should’ can also be used with a critical meaning. For example, You should have called me. carries the critical nuance of ‘You should have called me.’
4. Use of Ought to
4.1. Moral Obligation
‘Ought to’ is used to emphasize moral or ethical obligation. The sentence People ought to help each other. means ‘People should help each other’, indicating a sense of moral responsibility.
4.2. Recommendation
‘Ought to’ can also be used to present recommendations, just like ‘should’. However, ‘ought to’ has a stronger connotation, and can feel more emphatic than ‘should’. For example, You ought to take a break. emphasizes ‘You should take a break.’
5. Comparison of Should and Ought to
‘Should’ and ‘ought to’ share similarities in conveying obligation or recommendations, but depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other. Generally, ‘should’ is used more frequently to indicate recommendations or advice, whereas ‘ought to’ is preferred to emphasize moral responsibility or a sense of obligation.
5.1. Example Comparison
Should Example:
You should practice English every day. (You should practice English every day.)
Ought to Example:
Students ought to respect their teachers. (Students should respect their teachers.)
6. Negative Forms of Should and Ought to
6.1. Should not (shouldn’t)
‘Should not’ or ‘shouldn’t’ is used to indicate the absence of recommendations or obligations. For example, You shouldn’t eat too much junk food. means ‘You should not eat too much junk food’, conveying advice for health.
6.2. Ought not to
‘Ought not to’ indicates that certain actions should be avoided from a moral or ethical perspective. For example, You ought not to lie. means ‘You should not lie’, providing moral advice.
7. Utilization of Should and Ought to
By appropriately utilizing ‘should’ and ‘ought to’ when constructing English sentences, clearer and stronger messages can be conveyed. It is important to fully understand the meanings and nuances of each auxiliary verb and choose expressions that suit the situation.
8. Conclusion
‘Should’ and ‘ought to’ are very important auxiliary verbs in English, and should be used appropriately according to each situation and nuance. Learners studying English should understand the differences between these two auxiliary verbs and strive to enhance their English skills through this understanding.