You are on page 1of 2

(For the use of must in subordinate clauses after the past tense of the verb in

the principal clause see Chapter XIX, Indirect Speech, § 2.8.)


§ 5. Should1 and ought.
The modal verbs should and ought are treated together here as there is hardly
any difference between them. Very often they are interchangeable.
I ought to have married; yes, I should have married long ago. (Poutsma)
There is, however, a difference in construction. Whereas should is followed
by the infinitive without the particle to, ought is always followed by the to-
infinitive.
Should and ought are used with the Indefinite Infinitive, the Con tinuous
Infinitive and the Perfect Continuous Infinitive.
The government should do something about the economy.
You should be learning your lessons, Jack, and not talking with Mary.
You ought to be helping your mother with your salary and not squandering
your money.
He should have been trying to break through the isolation the hospital had set
around Thorpe, he should have been doing many things other than walking
along the Seine quay (Heym)
When reference is made to the present or future, the Indefinite Infinitive is used.
In wartime a man should not part with his rifle. (Heym)
It's murder, and we ought to stop it. (London)
When reference is made to the moment of speaking or some other given
moment, the Continuous Infinitive is used. The implication is that the advisable
action is not being carried out.
I should be gardening in this warm weather. (But I'm not)

from the list below:


1
1. My friends __________________ to school at 8:15.
2. They never ________________ a bus. They go on foot.
3. They _________________ at school at 8:25.
4. Classes _______________________ at 8:30.
5. They ________________ six lessons every day.
6. The break ____________ at 11:00 and ____________ at 11:30.
7. They ________________ home at 2:15.
8. My friend Peter _________________ his homework after lunch.
9. Karen ________________to the radio when she _____________ her
homework.
10.Beth and Tom ____________ the Internet to find information for their school
projects.
Susan _____________ a walk with her dog

You might also like