Mastering English: Modals, Past Perfect, and Digital Lexicon
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Mastering English Modals: Should and Ought To
Understanding "Should" for Advice
The modal verb "should" is used to give subjective advice and opinions. We often use "should" with phrases like "I think" or other expressions that indicate personal belief. It suggests a recommendation that the listener can choose to follow or not.
(Se utiliza para dar consejos u opiniones; la decisión de seguirlos es tuya.)
Examples of "Should"
- In my opinion, you should back up your files.
- I think you should save this information on your pendrive.
Structure for "Should"
Affirmative/Negative: Subject + should/shouldn't + base verb + complement
WH Questions: (Wh-word) + should + subject + base verb + complement?
"Should" Question Examples
- Should I share my photo?
- Why should I share my photos?
When to Use "Ought To" for Objective Views
The modal verb "ought to" is used to express an objective view. We also use it to talk about laws, rules, or duties. It implies a stronger sense of obligation or correctness than "should."
Example of "Ought To"
- Every student ought to keep their cellphones away in class.
Structure for "Ought To"
Affirmative/Negative: Subject + ought to / ought not to + base verb + complement
(It cannot be used without a verb.)
Should vs. Ought To: Key Differences
| Should | Ought To |
|---|---|
| More commonly used | Less commonly used |
| Expresses personal opinion | Imposed by society (rules, duties) |
| Used more in speaking and writing | Used more in formal writing |
| Subjective advice | Objective obligation |
Understanding the Past Perfect Tense
The Past Perfect tense is used to describe an action or situation that happened before another action or specific time in the past. It helps to show the sequence of past events.
Past Perfect Affirmative Structure
Subject + had + verb in past participle + complement
Example:
- She had drunk soda before the movie started.
Past Perfect Negative Structure
Subject + hadn't / had not + verb in past participle + complement
Example:
- She hadn't drunk soda before the movie started.
Past Perfect Question Structure
Had + subject + verb in past participle + complement?
Example:
- Had she drunk soda before the movie started?
Essential Technology Vocabulary
Expand your digital lexicon with these common technology terms:
- Pendrive: USB flash drive
- Wireless Mouse: Mouse
- Camera: Cámara
- GPS: Global Positioning System
- Memory Card: Tarjeta de memoria
- Printer: Impresora
- Web Camera: Cámara de seguridad
- Smart TV: Televisor inteligente (often referred to as "plasma" in the past)
- Portable Game Console: Consola de juegos portátil (e.g., "consola antigua" refers to older models)
- 3D Glasses: Lentes 3D
- Speaker: Altavoz (or "parlante pequeño" for a small speaker)
- Bluetooth Headset: Auriculares Bluetooth (or "manos libres" for hands-free)
- Keyboard: Teclado
- Watch: Reloj
- Scanner: Escáner (or "fotocopiadora" if referring to a multifunction device)
- E-book: Libro electrónico (or "celular libro" if referring to a phone with e-book capabilities)
- Game Controller: Mando de juego
- Earphones: Auriculares (small, in-ear)
- Portable Charger: Cargador portátil
- Headphones: Auriculares (over-ear or on-ear, "audifonos cascos")
Uploading Photos to Instagram: A Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to share your photos on Instagram:
- First, boot up your phone.
- Second, log in to your Instagram account.
- Search for a photo you want to upload from your gallery.
- Then, add your favorite filters or make other edits.
- Finally, share the photo with your followers.