ought
word
/ˈɔt/
awt
/ˈɔːt/
awt
Definition
Used to say what is the right thing to do, or what is expected or recommended in a situation; similar to 'should'.
Usage & Nuances
'Ought' is more formal or old-fashioned than 'should', but both often mean the same thing. Usually followed by 'to' + verb ('ought to go'). In questions and negatives, 'ought' is less common in modern English and often replaced by 'should'. Do not use 'ought' for obligations as strong as 'must'.
Spanish: debería - debería dePortuguese (BR): deveriaPortuguese (PT): deveriaChinese (Simplified): 应该Chinese (Traditional): 應該Hindi: चाहिएArabic: يجب أنBengali: উচিতRussian: должен - следуетJapanese: ～すべきVietnamese: nênKorean: ~해야 한다Turkish: -meli/-malıUrdu: چاہیےIndonesian: seharusnya - sebaiknya
Example Sentences
You ought to see a doctor if you feel sick.
basic
People ought to recycle more to help the environment.
basic
Children ought to respect their parents.
basic
You ought to try that new restaurant—it's amazing!
natural
I ought to call my mom; it's been a while.
natural
He knew he ought to apologize, but he was too embarrassed.
natural