Ought we to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Ought we to continue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking clarification or consensus on whether to proceed with a particular action or discussion. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I ask you all, ought we to continue with this project or make adjustments?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't mean, as I said before, to reply particularly to any arguments, but to establish the point that we have all along acted upon foederal principles, and that we ought to continue foederal, and I have no doubt but we shall.

University of Chicago

Pointing to the city's declining crime rates -- and declining civilian complaints about police -- Kelly said, "Something is going right here, and I would respectfully suggest that we ought to continue to do the things we are doing to keep the city safe".

Huffington Post

23 As we celebrate this progress in extending lives, it is reasonable to question whether we ought to continue aiming for ever longer lives on average or should ensure that more individuals avoid premature death.

BMJ Open

That's a debate we ought to continue.

The Washington Post

"I think we ought to continue to use IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the patients with high benefit," he says.

Forbes

But this leaves open the question whether we ought to continue to traffic in anomic concepts generally, and mental concepts in particular.

SEP

"The reality is that when you ask them the question -- other than Joe Barton -- it's pretty hard to with a straight face say 'Yes, we ought to continue these subsidies for oil companies,' " Nayak said.

Huffington Post

How ought we to respond?

SEP

It does explain why or how so many biblical stories show wives being treated as less than fully human, but I do hope that people who love the Bible can admit that this is an element of it that we ought not to continue to endorse.

Huffington Post

DAVID AXELROD: Well, first of all, the President has said that that he thinks that we ought to continue those portions of the tax cuts that apply to the middle class.

Huffington Post

And these issues don't begin to address tax issues connected with partnerships, or the regressive nature of the payroll tax, or the simple matter that the wealthy have greater recourse to tax accountants and attorneys.Which isn't to say that progressives ought not to continue to fight for equalization of capital gains and income tax rates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought we to continue", consider the level of formality required by your audience. In formal contexts, it effectively introduces a question of advisability or moral obligation. In less formal contexts, consider using "should we continue".

Common error

Avoid using "ought we to continue" in very casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for alternatives like "should we keep going" or "do we need to carry on" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Ought we to continue" functions as an interrogative phrase expressing a question of advisability or moral obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests seeking consensus or reflecting on the wisdom of proceeding.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Ought we to continue" is a grammatically sound interrogative used to question the advisability or necessity of proceeding with something. While the phrase is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, it's more suited for formal contexts; in informal scenarios, alternatives like "Should we proceed?" may be more appropriate. It seeks to invite reflection and evaluation, and is often seen in news media and academic discourse. The related phrases explore alternative modal verbs and phrasings to convey similar meanings, while also considering levels of formality. The aim is to ensure clarity and appropriateness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Should we proceed

Replaces "ought" with the more common modal verb "should", indicating a suggestion or recommendation.

Is it advisable to continue

Uses a more formal tone by asking if continuing is advisable.

Would it be wise to continue

Questions the wisdom of continuing, offering a cautious perspective.

Is it necessary to continue

Focuses on the necessity of continuing, rather than its advisability.

Are we to proceed

More formal and direct, questioning if proceeding is the predetermined course of action.

Do we need to carry on

Employs the phrasal verb "carry on" for "continue", making it more informal.

Is continuation warranted

Employs a more formal and less personal structure, focusing on whether continuation is justified.

Shall we keep going

Uses "shall" to offer a suggestion and "keep going" as a more casual substitute for "continue".

What are your thoughts on continuing

Shifts the focus to gathering opinions about whether to continue.

What's your opinion on carrying on

Asks directly for an opinion about carrying on.

FAQs

What does "Ought we to continue" mean?

The phrase "Ought we to continue" questions the advisability or necessity of proceeding with a particular action or discussion. It's a way of seeking consensus or clarification on whether to keep going.

When is it appropriate to use "Ought we to continue"?

It's suitable for formal settings, debates, or situations where careful consideration is needed before proceeding. In informal contexts, phrases like "Should we proceed?" or "Do we need to continue?" might be more fitting.

What are some alternatives to "Ought we to continue"?

Alternatives include "Should we proceed", "Is it advisable to continue", or "Do we need to carry on", depending on the desired tone and level of formality.

Is "Ought we to continue" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Ought we to continue" is grammatically correct. The word "ought" functions as a modal verb here, expressing a sense of duty or advisability. The Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct.