ought to
"Ought to" is a semi-modal verb used to express duty, advisability, or expectation in various contexts.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(formal)Indicates that something is morally right or necessary to do.
Example
- You ought to apologize for your mistake.
- They ought to follow the rules.
B2Advice
(formal)Suggests that an action is advisable or prudent.
Example
- You ought to see a doctor about that cough.
- We ought to start saving for the future.
B2Expectation
(formal)Implies that a particular outcome is expected or likely.
Example
- The package ought to arrive by tomorrow.
- This ought to be an easy task for you.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "ought to":