What’s the Meaning of ‘Ought to’?
‘Ought to’ is a modal verb used in English sentences for a variety of purposes, including giving advice, saying what you think is right or wrong, and making suggestions. If you want to elevate your language skills and express your thoughts more clearly, learning how to use ‘ought to’ is a crucial step.
‘Ought to’ Vs. ‘Should’
Often interchangeable with the verb ‘should’, ‘ought to’ carries a similar meaning but with slightly different connotations. By using ‘ought to’ instead of ‘should’, you imply a greater sense of importance or urgency. This differentiation is nuanced but can significantly affect the tone of your conversation.
How to Use ‘Ought to’
The usage of ‘ought to’ is straightforward. The structure is typically ‘[subject] + ought to + [base form of verb]. Here are some examples:
- She ought to study for the exam. (advice)
- You ought to quit smoking. (suggestion)
- They ought to apologize for their mistakes. (rightness)
Answering Your ‘Ought to’ Sentence Questions
We’ve noticed some frequently asked questions related to ‘ought to’ sentences and decided to address them here:
Can ‘Ought to’ be used in past tense?
While there’s a common belief that ‘ought to’ can’t be used in past tense, this is not entirely accurate. When combined with ‘have’ and the past participle of a verb, we can use it to speak about something that didn’t happen in the past, but should have. For example, ‘He ought to have been more careful.’
Does ‘Ought to’ implying obligation or necessity?
Yes, ‘ought to’ can denote a sense of obligation or necessity, but it does so in a less forceful manner compared to ‘must’ or ‘have to’. It leans more towards giving advice or suggestions rather than enforceable obligations.
How does ‘Ought to’ differ when used in negative sentences?
When used in negative sentences, ‘ought to’ is followed by ‘not’. It suggests that it’s a bad idea to do something, or something is likely not the case. For example, ‘They ought not to lie.’ or ‘She ought not to be late.’
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering the use of ‘ought to’ requires practice and continuous exposure. Make use of our AI-based language learning tutor, Chatmunk.ai, to help you craft the perfect ‘ought to’ sentences and boost your English skills. Start learning today and unlock your English potential!
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