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- Dictionaryought/ɔːt/
modal
- 1. used to indicate duty or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions: "they ought to respect the law"
- 2. used to indicate something that is probable: "five minutes ought to be enough time"
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OUGHT definition: 1. used to say that it is necessary or desirable to perform the action expressed in the verb: 2…. Learn more.
The meaning of OUGHT is —used to express obligation, advisability, natural expectation, or logical consequence. How to use ought in a sentence.
You've created this problem. 2. phrase B1. You use ought to when saying that you think it is a good idea and important for you or someone else to do a particular thing, especially when giving or asking for advice or opinions. You don't have to be alone with him and I don't think you ought to be.
1. Used to indicate obligation or duty: You ought to work harder than that. 2. Used to indicate advisability or prudence: You ought to wear a raincoat. 3. Used to indicate desirability: You ought to have been there; it was great fun. 4. Used to indicate probability or likelihood: She ought to finish by next week.
Noun. Adverb. Filter. verb. Used to indicate obligation or duty. You ought to work harder than that. American Heritage. Used to indicate advisability or prudence. You ought to wear a raincoat. American Heritage. Used to indicate desirability. You ought to have been there; it was great fun. American Heritage.
used to say what you expect or would like to happen. Children ought to be able to read by the age of 7. Nurses ought to earn more. used to say what you advise or recommend. We ought to be leaving now. This is delicious. You ought to try some. You ought to have come to the meeting. It was interesting. Topics Suggestions and advice b1.
auxiliary verb. (used to express duty or moral obligation): Every citizen ought to help. (used to express justice, moral rightness, or the like): He ought to be punished. You ought to be ashamed. (used to express propriety, appropriateness, etc.): You ought to be home early. We ought to bring her some flowers.
OUGHT definition: 1. used to say or ask what is the correct or best thing to do: 2. used to say that you expect…. Learn more.
to express a desire or wish on the part of the speaker: you ought to come next week; Etymology: Old English āhte, past tense of āgan to owe; related to Gothic aihta USAGE In correct English, ought is not used with did or had. I ought not to do it, not I didn't ought to do it; I ought not to have done it, not I hadn't ought to have done it
OED's earliest evidence for ought is from 1678, in the writing of Ralph Cudworth, philosopher and theologian. It is also recorded as a verb from the Old English period (pre-1150). ought is formed within English, by conversion.
