Ready to add more nuance and precision to your English? Advanced modals and semi-modals like “should have” and “had better” let you express everything from past regrets to urgent warnings. Mastering these phrases will help you navigate complex social situations and express yourself with greater accuracy. 🧐
Function & Usage
These phrases go beyond simple advice to express more complex ideas about expectations, regrets, and warnings.
- Should have + Past Participle: Used to express regret or criticism about a past action that didn’t happen.
Example: I should have studied harder for the test. (I regret not studying). - Had better (‘d better): Used for strong advice or a warning in a specific, present situation. It implies a negative consequence if the advice is not followed.
Example: You‘d better leave now, or you will miss the train. - Be supposed to: Used to talk about what is expected, arranged, or the normal rule.
Example: You were supposed to call me yesterday. (That was the plan/expectation). - Be to: A formal way to talk about plans, official arrangements, or give commands.
Example: The president is to visit Brazil next month. (This is the official plan).
The Structure (Form)
Each of these structures has a fixed form.
| Phrase | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Should have | Subject + should have + Past Participle | He should have told the truth. |
| Had better | Subject + had better + Base Verb | We had better hurry. |
| Be supposed to | Subject + am/is/are/was/were + supposed to + Base Verb | It is supposed to rain. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing “should” and “should have”: `Should` is for present/future advice. `Should have` is for past regrets. Incorrect: “Yesterday, I should go.” Correct: “Yesterday, I should have gone.”
- Using `had better` for general advice: `Had better` is for specific, urgent situations. For general advice, use `should`. Incorrect: “You had better exercise more.” (Too strong). Correct: “You should exercise more.”
- Misspelling `supposed to`: Many learners forget the `-d` on `supposed`. It always has a `-d`. Incorrect: “I’m suppose to be there.” Correct: “I’m supposed to be there.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Friend 1: I failed my exam. I’m so upset.
Friend 2: Oh no. I’m sorry to hear that. You should have studied more last week.
Friend 1: I know, I regret it now.
Person A: Look at the time! It’s 8:55 AM!
Person B: The meeting starts at 9:00. We‘d better run or we’ll be late!
Boss: Where is John? He was supposed to be in this meeting.
Employee: I’m not sure. He knew he was to be here at 10 AM sharp.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. I missed the bus. I earlier. (leave)
2. You look tired. You some rest. (get)
3. This package arrive yesterday. (arrive)
4. He shouldn’t have said that. He apologize. (apologize)
5. She regretted her decision. She the other option. (choose)
6. I ___ called my mom, but I forgot.
7. It’s getting late. We ___ go home now.
8. You lost your wallet? You ___ been more careful.
9. The meeting ___ start in five minutes.
10. You ___ told me you were going to be late!
