Understanding modal verbs is crucial for expressing nuances like obligation, advice, and expectations in English. Among these, ‘ought to’ holds a unique position, often considered a milder or more polite alternative to ‘should’ or ‘must.’ This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the modal verb ‘ought to,’ covering its definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to use ‘ought to’ confidently and correctly in both spoken and written English.
Definition of ‘Ought To’
‘Ought to’ is a modal verb in English that expresses a sense of obligation, duty, advice, recommendation, or logical expectation. It is similar in meaning to ‘should’ and ‘must,’ but often carries a slightly weaker or more polite connotation.
‘Ought to’ is always followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive without ‘to’). It signifies what is considered morally right, advisable, or likely to happen based on available information.
As a modal verb, ‘ought to’ is classified as an auxiliary verb because it helps the main verb express its meaning. Its primary function is to modify the main verb, indicating necessity, advisability, or expectation.
Unlike regular verbs, ‘ought to’ does not change its form based on the subject (e.g., I ought to, she ought to, they ought to).
The contexts in which ‘ought to’ is used vary widely. It can be used to express a moral or ethical obligation (e.g., “You ought to tell the truth”), to give advice or a suggestion (e.g., “You ought to try that new restaurant”), or to indicate a reasonable expectation based on evidence (e.g., “The train ought to be here soon”).
Understanding these different contexts is crucial for using ‘ought to’ correctly and effectively.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structure of sentences using ‘ought to’ is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful statements. The structure varies depending on whether the sentence is affirmative, negative, or interrogative.
Affirmative Structure
The affirmative structure of a sentence with ‘ought to’ follows this pattern: Subject + Ought To + Base Form of Verb.
For example:
- She ought to study for the exam.
- We ought to respect our elders.
- They ought to apologize for their behavior.
Negative Structure
The negative form of ‘ought to’ is created by inserting ‘not’ between ‘ought’ and ‘to’: Subject + Ought Not To + Base Form of Verb. Contraction is possible, resulting in “oughtn’t to,” although this form is less common, especially in American English.
For example:
- You ought not to (oughtn’t to) lie.
- He ought not to (oughtn’t to) be so rude.
- They ought not to (oughtn’t to) waste their time.
Interrogative Structure
Forming questions with ‘ought to’ is less common than with other modal verbs like ‘should’ or ‘must.’ The structure is: Ought + Subject + To + Base Form of Verb?. However, it’s often more natural to rephrase the question using ‘should’ or another alternative.
For example:
- Ought we to leave now? (More commonly: Should we leave now?)
- Ought I to call him? (More commonly: Should I call him?)
- Ought they to help her? (More commonly: Should they help her?)
Types and Categories of Usage
‘Ought to’ is used to express various nuances, including obligation, advice, logical deduction, and reproach. Understanding these categories helps in using ‘ought to’ appropriately.
Obligation or Duty
‘Ought to’ expresses a moral or ethical obligation, suggesting that something is the right or correct thing to do. It’s often used when the obligation comes from an external source, such as societal norms or expectations.
For example:
- Citizens ought to obey the law.
- Children ought to respect their parents.
- Students ought to study hard for their exams.
Advice or Recommendation
‘Ought to’ can be used to give advice or make a recommendation. In this context, it suggests that something is a good idea or a beneficial course of action.
For example:
- You ought to see a doctor if you’re feeling unwell.
- They ought to invest in renewable energy.
- We ought to try that new restaurant.
Logical Deduction or Expectation
‘Ought to’ can also express a logical deduction or expectation based on available information. It suggests that something is likely to be true or to happen, given the circumstances.
For example:
- The train ought to arrive any minute now.
- He ought to know the answer to that question.
- They ought to be finished with the project by now.
Reproach or Criticism
In some cases, ‘ought to’ can be used to express reproach or criticism, implying that someone has done something wrong or failed to meet expectations. This usage often involves the past perfect tense (“ought to have”).
For example:
- You ought to have been more careful.
- They ought to have told me about the problem.
- She ought to have apologized for her mistake.
Examples of ‘Ought To’ in Sentences
To further illustrate the usage of ‘ought to,’ here are several examples categorized by their function.
Obligation Examples
The following table provides a list of examples illustrating the use of “ought to” to express obligation.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Citizens ought to pay their taxes on time. | Expresses a legal and civic duty. |
| Students ought to respect their teachers. | Indicates a moral obligation in an educational setting. |
| Employees ought to arrive at work on time. | Suggests a professional obligation. |
| Drivers ought to obey traffic laws. | Highlights a legal and safety-related obligation. |
| Parents ought to provide for their children’s needs. | Expresses a fundamental moral and legal obligation. |
| We ought to protect the environment. | Indicates a collective moral obligation. |
| You ought to keep your promises. | Emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments. |
| Doctors ought to prioritize patient care. | Suggests a professional and ethical obligation. |
| Politicians ought to act in the best interests of the public. | Expresses an obligation for ethical governance. |
| Neighbors ought to be considerate of each other. | Highlights a social obligation for harmonious living. |
| Soldiers ought to follow orders. | Indicates an obligation within a hierarchical structure. |
| Researchers ought to conduct their work ethically. | Suggests an obligation for integrity in research. |
| Journalists ought to report the truth. | Expresses an obligation for honest reporting. |
| Accountants ought to maintain accurate financial records. | Highlights a professional and legal obligation. |
| Lawyers ought to uphold the law. | Indicates an obligation for justice and legality. |
| Programmers ought to write clean and efficient code. | Suggests a professional obligation for quality work. |
| Engineers ought to design safe structures. | Expresses an obligation for safety in design. |
| Teachers ought to educate their students effectively. | Highlights a professional obligation for quality education. |
| Librarians ought to preserve knowledge. | Indicates a professional obligation for knowledge preservation. |
| Museum curators ought to protect cultural artifacts. | Expresses an obligation for cultural heritage preservation. |
| Tour guides ought to provide accurate information. | Suggests a professional obligation for accuracy. |
| Cooks ought to maintain food safety standards. | Highlights an obligation for health and safety. |
| Nurses ought to provide compassionate care. | Indicates an obligation for empathy and care. |
| Pharmacists ought to dispense medications accurately. | Expresses an obligation for precision in healthcare. |
| Firefighters ought to respond quickly to emergencies. | Suggests an obligation for rapid response. |
Advice Examples
The following table provides a list of examples illustrating the use of “ought to” to express advice.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You ought to get some rest; you look tired. | Suggests resting as a solution to tiredness. |
| She ought to try a new approach to the problem. | Recommends a different strategy for problem-solving. |
| He ought to apologize for his behavior. | Advises apologizing to rectify a wrong. |
| They ought to consider all the options before deciding. | Recommends thorough consideration before making a choice. |
| We ought to eat more fruits and vegetables. | Suggests a healthier diet. |
| You ought to learn a new language. | Advises learning a new skill for personal enrichment. |
| She ought to take a break from work. | Recommends a temporary cessation of work for relaxation. |
| He ought to exercise more regularly. | Advises consistent physical activity. |
| They ought to save money for the future. | Recommends saving for long-term financial security. |
| We ought to visit our grandparents more often. | Suggests spending more time with elderly relatives. |
| You ought to read that book; it’s very insightful. | Recommends reading a book for its informative content. |
| She ought to attend the conference to network with peers. | Advises attending an event for professional networking. |
| He ought to seek professional help for his anxiety. | Recommends seeking mental health support. |
| They ought to mediate their dispute amicably. | Advises resolving a conflict through peaceful means. |
| We ought to adopt sustainable practices. | Suggests engaging in environmentally friendly behaviors. |
| You ought to back up your data regularly. | Advises creating data backups for security. |
| She ought to learn to play a musical instrument. | Recommends learning a new artistic skill. |
| He ought to volunteer in his community. | Advises participating in community service. |
| They ought to travel to broaden their horizons. | Recommends traveling for cultural enrichment. |
| We ought to support local businesses. | Suggests patronizing local enterprises. |
| You ought to take a course to improve your skills. | Advises education for skill enhancement. |
| She ought to join a club to meet new people. | Recommends joining a social group. |
| He ought to practice mindfulness to reduce stress. | Advises engaging in stress-reduction techniques. |
| They ought to invest in energy-efficient appliances. | Recommends purchasing energy-saving devices. |
| We ought to recycle to reduce waste. | Suggests recycling to minimize environmental impact. |
Logical Deduction Examples
The following table provides a list of examples illustrating the use of “ought to” to express logical deduction.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The package ought to arrive tomorrow since it was shipped yesterday. | Suggests a likely delivery time based on shipping information. |
| She ought to be home by now, considering the time. | Deduces her likely location based on the current time. |
| He ought to know the answer; he studied hard for the test. | Concludes his knowledge based on his preparation. |
| They ought to have finished the project; the deadline was last week. | Deduces completion based on the passed deadline. |
| We ought to see results soon, given the efforts we’ve made. | Suggests expected outcomes based on exerted efforts. |
| You ought to feel better after taking the medicine. | Predicts an improvement in health after medication. |
| She ought to succeed; she’s very talented. | Concludes her potential success based on her talent. |
| He ought to be promoted; he’s been working hard. | Suggests a likely promotion based on his work ethic. |
| They ought to win the game; they have a strong team. | Predicts a victory based on team strength. |
| We ought to find a solution; we have the resources. | Suggests the possibility of finding a solution based on available resources. |
| The sun ought to rise soon; it’s almost dawn. | Predicts sunrise based on the time of day. |
| She ought to understand the concept; it was explained clearly. | Concludes her understanding based on the clarity of explanation. |
| He ought to remember the date; it’s his anniversary. | Suggests his memory of the date based on its significance. |
| They ought to agree with the proposal; it’s mutually beneficial. | Predicts agreement based on mutual benefit. |
| We ought to receive a response; we sent the email last week. | Suggests an expected reply based on the email’s timing. |
| You ought to be able to fix it; you’re good with technology. | Concludes your ability to fix it based on technological skill. |
| She ought to enjoy the movie; it’s her favorite genre. | Predicts her enjoyment based on her preferred genre. |
| He ought to pass the test; he knows the material well. | Suggests his likelihood of passing based on his knowledge. |
| They ought to be ready; they’ve had plenty of time to prepare. | Predicts readiness based on ample preparation time. |
| We ought to have enough food; we bought plenty. | Suggests sufficient food supply based on the quantity purchased. |
| You ought to find the place easily; it’s well-marked. | Predicts ease of finding the place based on clear markings. |
| She ought to be fluent in Spanish; she lived in Spain for years. | Concludes her fluency based on her time spent in Spain. |
| He ought to appreciate the gift; it’s something he wanted. | Suggests his appreciation based on his desire for the gift. |
| They ought to be grateful for the opportunity; it’s rare. | Predicts their gratitude based on the rarity of the opportunity. |
| We ought to feel proud of our accomplishments; we worked hard for them. | Suggests pride based on the effort invested in the accomplishments. |
Reproach Examples
The following table provides a list of examples illustrating the use of “ought to” to express a reproach or criticism.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You ought to have told me about the problem. | Criticizes the person for not informing about the problem. |
| She ought to have been more careful with the fragile item. | Criticizes her lack of care with a delicate object. |
| He ought to have apologized for his rude behavior. | Criticizes his failure to apologize for being impolite. |
| They ought to have considered the consequences of their actions. | Criticizes their failure to think about the results of their actions. |
| We ought to have prepared better for the presentation. | Criticizes the lack of adequate preparation for the presentation. |
| You ought to have listened to my advice. | Criticizes the person for not following the advice. |
| She ought to have arrived on time for the meeting. | Criticizes her for being late to the meeting. |
| He ought to have studied harder for the exam. | Criticizes his lack of effort in studying for the exam. |
| They ought to have been more respectful to their elders. | Criticizes their lack of respect towards older people. |
| We ought to have saved more money for emergencies. | Criticizes the lack of saving for unexpected situations. |
| You ought to have checked the weather forecast before leaving. | Criticizes the person for not checking the weather forecast. |
| She ought to have followed the instructions carefully. | Criticizes her for not adhering to the instructions. |
| He ought to have informed his supervisor about the issue. | Criticizes his failure to notify the supervisor about the problem. |
| They ought to have taken the necessary precautions. | Criticizes their failure to take the required safety measures. |
| We ought to have double-checked the data before submitting it. | Criticizes the lack of verification of the data. |
| You ought to have been more understanding of her situation. | Criticizes the person for not being empathetic. |
| She ought to have been more patient with the children. | Criticizes her lack of patience with the children. |
| He ought to have been more appreciative of the help he received. | Criticizes his lack of gratitude for the assistance. |
| They ought to have been more transparent about their intentions. | Criticizes their lack of openness about their plans. |
| We ought to have been more supportive of each other’s goals. | Criticizes the lack of mutual support for each other’s objectives. |
| You ought to have secured the valuables before leaving the house. | Criticizes the person for not securing valuables. |
| She ought to have considered the impact of her words. | Criticizes her for not thinking about the effects of her speech. |
| He ought to have been more responsible with his finances. | Criticizes his lack of financial responsibility. |
| They ought to have been more aware of their surroundings. | Criticizes their lack of awareness of their environment. |
| We ought to have documented the process more thoroughly. | Criticizes the lack of detailed documentation of the process. |
Usage Rules
Several rules govern the correct usage of ‘ought to.’ Adhering to these rules ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy.
Infinitive Rule
‘Ought to’ is always followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive without ‘to’). This is a fundamental rule that must be followed in all contexts.
Correct: You ought to study.
Incorrect: You ought to studying.
Incorrect: You ought to studied.
No Conjugation
As a modal verb, ‘ought to’ does not change its form based on the subject. It remains the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural, first, second, or third person.
Correct: I ought to go. She ought to go. They ought to go.
Incorrect: She oughts to go.
Synonyms and Alternatives
‘Ought to’ is often interchangeable with ‘should’ and ‘must,’ although there are subtle differences in meaning. ‘Should’ is generally considered a milder form of advice, while ‘must’ expresses a stronger obligation.
‘Ought to’ falls somewhere in between, often carrying a sense of moral or ethical obligation.
Alternatives:
- You ought to study. = You should study.
- You ought to pay your taxes. = You must pay your taxes. (Stronger obligation)
Tense with Ought To
‘Ought to’ primarily refers to present or future actions. To refer to past actions, use “ought to have + past participle.” This construction expresses regret or criticism about something that did or did not happen in the past.
Present/Future: You ought to call her.
Past: You ought to have called her.
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes occur when using ‘ought to.’ Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| You ought study. | You ought to study. | ‘Ought’ must be followed by ‘to’ and the base form of the verb. |
| She oughts to go. | She ought to go. | ‘Ought to’ does not conjugate. |
| They ought to went. | They ought to go. | ‘Ought to’ must be followed by the base form of the verb. |
| Ought you to do that? | Should you do that? (or rarely: Ought you to do that?) | Questions with ‘ought to’ are less common; ‘should’ is often preferred. |
| You didn’t ought to do that. | You ought not to do that. | The negative form is ‘ought not to,’ not ‘didn’t ought to.’ |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of ‘ought to’ with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of ‘ought to’ and the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. You __________ (respect) your elders. | 1. ought to respect |
| 2. She __________ (study) harder if she wants to pass the exam. | 2. ought to study |
| 3. They __________ (arrive) on time for the meeting. | 3. ought to arrive |
| 4. We __________ (recycle) more to protect the environment. | 4. ought to recycle |
| 5. He __________ (apologize) for his behavior. | 5. ought to apologize |
| 6. I __________ (call) my mother more often. | 6. ought to call |
| 7. You __________ (exercise) regularly to stay healthy. | 7. ought to exercise |
| 8. She __________ (eat) more fruits and vegetables. | 8. ought to eat |
| 9. They __________ (save) money for the future. | 9. ought to save |
| 10. We __________ (help) those in need. | 10. ought to help |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using ‘ought to’ in place of ‘should’ or ‘must.’
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. You should be more careful. | 1. You ought to be more careful. |
| 2. She must tell the truth. | 2. She ought to tell the truth. |
| 3. They should respect the rules. | 3. They ought to respect the rules. |
| 4. We must protect our planet. | 4. We ought to protect our planet. |
| 5. He should apologize for his mistake. | 5. He ought to apologize for his mistake. |
| 6. I must study for the exam. | 6. I ought to study for the exam. |
| 7. You should listen to your parents. | 7. You ought to listen to your parents. |
| 8. She must arrive on time. | 8. She ought to arrive on time. |
| 9. They should help their neighbors. | 9. They ought to help their neighbors. |
| 10. We must recycle our waste. | 10. We ought to recycle our waste. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. You ought study harder. | 1. You ought to study harder. | Missing ‘to’ after ‘ought.’ |
| 2. She oughts to be on time. | 2. She ought to be on time. | ‘Ought to’ does not conjugate. |
| 3. They
ought to went to the meeting. |
3. They ought to go to the meeting. | Incorrect verb form after ‘ought to.’ |
| 4. Ought you help him? | 4. Should you help him? | Questions with ‘ought to’ are less common. |
| 5. We didn’t ought to do that. | 5. We ought not to do that. | Incorrect negative form. |
| 6. He ought to helping his mother. | 6. He ought to help his mother. | Incorrect verb form after ‘ought to.’ |
| 7. You ought be more responsible. | 7. You ought to be more responsible. | Missing ‘to’ after ‘ought.’ |
| 8. She ought have called me. | 8. She ought to have called me. | Missing ‘to’ after ‘ought’ in past form. |
| 9. They ought respect the rules. | 9. They ought to respect the rules. | Missing ‘to’ after ‘ought.’ |
| 10. We ought thinking about the future. | 10. We ought to think about the future. | Incorrect verb form after ‘ought to.’ |
Advanced Topics
Explore more complex usages of ‘ought to’ in various contexts.
Ought To Have + Past Participle
The structure ‘ought to have + past participle’ is used to express regret, criticism, or a missed opportunity regarding a past action. It indicates that something should have been done differently.
For example:
- You ought to have studied harder for the test. (Regret/Criticism)
- She ought to have accepted the job offer. (Missed Opportunity)
- They ought to have arrived earlier. (Criticism)
Continuous Aspect with Ought To
Using the continuous aspect with ‘ought to’ (i.e., ‘ought to be + verb-ing’) indicates an ongoing obligation or expectation. This form is less common but can be useful in specific contexts.
For example:
- He ought to be working right now. (Ongoing Expectation)
- They ought to be studying for their exams. (Ongoing Obligation)
- She ought to be focusing on her health. (Ongoing Advice)
Formal vs. Informal Usage
‘Ought to’ is generally considered more formal than ‘should,’ but less formal than ‘must.’ In modern English, ‘should’ is often preferred in everyday conversation, while ‘ought to’ is more common in formal writing or when expressing a moral or ethical obligation.
Formal: “Citizens ought to adhere to the laws of the land.”
Informal: “Citizens should follow the laws.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is ‘ought to’ the same as ‘should’?
While ‘ought to’ and ‘should’ are often interchangeable, ‘ought to’ carries a slightly stronger sense of moral or ethical obligation. ‘Should’ is generally milder and more commonly used in everyday conversation.
Can I use ‘ought to’ in questions?
Yes, but it’s less common than using ‘should.’ Questions with ‘ought to’ can sound formal or awkward. It’s often better to rephrase the question using ‘should’ or another alternative.
What is the negative form of ‘ought to’?
The negative form is ‘ought not to,’ although the contraction ‘oughtn’t to’ is also possible but less common, especially in American English.
How do I use ‘ought to’ to talk about the past?
Use ‘ought to have + past participle’ to express regret, criticism, or a missed opportunity regarding a past action.
Is ‘ought to’ formal or informal?
‘Ought to’ is generally considered more formal than ‘should’ but less formal than ‘must.’ Its usage depends on the context and the desired level of formality.
Conclusion
Mastering ‘ought to’ involves understanding its definition, structural rules, and various contexts of usage. While it shares similarities with other modal verbs like ‘should’ and ‘must,’ ‘ought to’ has its unique nuances that make it a valuable tool in expressing obligation, advice, logical deduction, and reproach.
By understanding its usage rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing with exercises, you can confidently and effectively incorporate ‘ought to’ into your spoken and written English. Whether you are expressing a moral imperative or making a logical deduction, ‘ought to’ adds a layer of sophistication and precision to your communication.