ought to

ought to
ought to
W2S1 [ˈo:t tu: US ˈo:t-] modal v
[: Old English; Origin: ahte, past tense of agan; OWE]
1.) used to say that someone should do something because it is the best or most sensible thing to do
= ↑should
▪ You really ought to quit smoking.
▪ The company ought to be making changes in its marketing strategy.
▪ What sort of crimes ought the police to concentrate on?
▪ You were out enjoying yourself when you ought to have been studying.
2.) used to make a suggestion about something you think is a good idea, especially in a social situation
= ↑should
▪ We ought to get together some time soon.
▪ You ought to meet him; he's really nice.
▪ We ought to get her some flowers for her birthday.
▪ I ought to call Brian.
3.) used to say that someone should do something or something should happen, because it is morally right or fair
= ↑should
▪ You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
▪ The courts ought to treat black and white defendants in exactly the same way.
▪ Many people felt that America ought not to take part in the war.
4.) used to say that you think something will probably happen, is probably true etc
= ↑should
▪ He left two hours ago, so he ought to be there by now.
▪ They ought to win - they've trained hard enough.
▪ That ought to be enough potatoes for eight people.
▪ New technology ought to make this easier.

Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.

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  • ought — [ ɔt ] modal verb *** Ought is usually followed by to and an infinitive: You ought to tell the truth. Sometimes it is used without to or a following infinitive in a formal way: I don t practice as often as I ought. It is also used in an informal… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Ought — Ought, imp., p. p., or auxiliary. [Orig. the preterit of the verb to owe. OE. oughte, aughte, ahte, AS. [=a]hte. [root]110. See {Owe}.] 1. Was or were under obligation to pay; owed. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] This due obedience which they ought to the …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Ought To Go — Breed Quarter Horse Discipline Racing Sire Go Man Go Grandsire …   Wikipedia

  • ought — In current use the verb ought is followed by a to infinitive: • You ought to have a cooked breakfast, these cold mornings David Lodge, 1988. Since it is a modal verb, it forms a negative directly with not and forms a question by plain inversion:… …   Modern English usage

  • ought — ought1 [ôt] v.aux. used with infinitives and meaning: 1. to be compelled by obligation or duty [he ought to pay his debts ] or by desirability [you ought to eat more] 2. to be expected or likely [it ought to be over soon]: Past time is expressed… …   English World dictionary

  • ought — ► MODAL VERB (3rd sing. present and past ought) 1) used to indicate duty or correctness. 2) used to indicate something that is probable. 3) used to indicate a desirable or expected state. 4) used to give or ask advice. USAGE The standard… …   English terms dictionary

  • ought — ought·lins; ought·ness; ought; …   English syllables

  • Ought — ([add]t), n. & adv. See {Aught}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • ought|n't — «AWT uhnt», ought not …   Useful english dictionary

  • ought — [[t]ɔ͟ːt[/t]] ♦♦♦ (Ought to is a phrasal modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. The negative form of ought to is ought not to, which is sometimes shortened to oughtn t to in spoken English.) 1) PHR MODAL You use ought to to mean… …   English dictionary

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