Explanation + Extra Activities
GIVING ADVICE with Could, Should, Have to and Had Better
Here’s a simple explanation of how to give advice using “could,” “should,” “have to,” and “had better” in easy English:
1. Could (Suggestion)
- Use “could” to give a suggestion. It’s a light, polite way to give advice. It doesn’t sound strong, and it leaves the decision up to the person.Examples:
- You could go for a walk if you want to relax.
- You could try this new restaurant; I heard it’s good.
- Meaning: It’s an option or idea, but not necessary.
2. Should (Stronger Advice)
- Use “should” when you think something is a good idea or the right thing to do. It’s stronger than “could” but still polite.Examples:
- You should drink more water; it’s good for your health.
- You should study tonight if you want to pass the test.
- Meaning: It’s a good idea, but it’s still up to the person to decide.
3. Have to (Necessity or Obligation)
- Use “have to” when something is necessary or there is no choice. It’s not just advice, it’s more of a requirement.Examples:
- You have to wear a seatbelt in the car. (It’s the law.)
- I have to finish my homework before I can go out.
- Meaning: There is no choice. It’s required.
4. Had Better (Strong Warning or Urgent Advice)
- Use “had better” for strong advice or a warning. It’s used when something bad might happen if you don’t follow the advice. It’s stronger than “should.”Examples:
- You had better leave now, or you’ll miss the train.
- He had better apologize, or she will be really upset.
- Meaning: It’s very important. If you don’t do it, there could be negative consequences.
Summary:
- Could: A light suggestion, no pressure.
- You could try this new restaurant.
- Should: Stronger advice, a good idea.
- You should eat healthier.
- Have to: It’s necessary, no choice.
- You have to go to school.
- Had better: Strong advice or warning, serious consequences.
- You had better study, or you will fail the test.
Extra Practice
Quiz: Giving Advice with Could, Should, Have to, and Had Better
Instructions:
Read each problem carefully. Then, choose the correct word (could, should, have to, or had better) to fill in the blanks for each piece of advice.
- Problem: You have a big test tomorrow, and you haven’t studied much yet.
- a) You ______ finish studying tonight if you want to pass.
- b) You ______ review your notes to be prepared.
- c) You ______ study a little tonight.
- d) You ______ study hard, or you might fail the test.
- Problem: Your friend is feeling sick but insists on going to a party.
- a) You ______ stay home and rest.
- b) You ______ see a doctor if you’re not feeling better.
- c) You ______ take your medicine.
- d) You ______ skip the party, or you will make yourself worse.
- Problem: It’s very late, and your friend is driving home tired.
- a) You ______ listen to some music to stay awake.
- b) You ______ stop driving right now; it’s too dangerous.
- c) You ______ drive safely, or you might crash.
- d) You ______ pull over and take a short nap.
- Problem: You forgot to bring your lunch to school.
- a) You ______ eat something before you get too hungry.
- b) You ______ buy something from the cafeteria.
- c) You ______ go without eating; it’s not good for you.
- d) You ______ ask a friend to share their lunch.
- Problem: Your computer is running very slowly, and you need to finish an important project.
- a) You ______ restart your computer.
- b) You ______ ignore the problem; it could get worse.
- c) You ______ close unnecessary programs.
- d) You ______ fix the computer immediately; you have a deadline.
- Problem: You are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with schoolwork.
- a) You ______ manage your time better; it’s important.
- b) You ______ take a break and relax.
- c) You ______ let your stress control you; it’s unhealthy.
- d) You ______ talk to a teacher or counselor about your feelings.
- Problem: You want to learn a new language, but you haven’t started yet.
- a) You ______ wait to learn; it’s not urgent.
- b) You ______ try watching movies in that language.
- c) You ______ take a language class to learn properly.
- d) You ______ start practicing regularly if you want to improve.
- Problem: You have a headache and are tempted to ignore it.
- a) You ______ drink some water.
- b) You ______ ignore it; it might get worse.
- c) You ______ see a doctor if it doesn’t go away.
- d) You ______ take some medicine for the headache.
Answer Key:
- a) have to, b) should, c) could, d) had better
- a) had better, b) should, c) have to, d) could
- a) could, b) had better, c) have to, d) should
- a) have to, b) could, c) had better, d) should
- a) could, b) had better, c) should, d) have to
- a) have to, b) could, c) had better, d) should
- a) had better, b) could, c) should, d) have to
- a) could, b) had better, c) have to, d) should