as it ought to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it ought to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is in its proper or expected state or condition. Example: "The project was completed on time and within budget, as it ought to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mally did not only read !A as "it ought to be the case that A".

SEP

Which is as it ought to be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's just as it ought to be".

The New York Times - Arts

This may not be as it ought to be.

The Washington Post

And the cherry-pepper-spiked pork is as zesty and porcine as it ought to be.

The New York Times - Food

Life is not just good; life is as it ought to be.

The New York Times - Magazine

I mean it, because only I know the work as it ought to be.

The New York Times - Arts

This purgatory is never as cleverly drawn as it ought to be.

The New York Times - Books

The holy place became an image of the world as it ought to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

A burger, good, as it ought to be, at $14, was a perfect medium-rare, jazzed up with jalapeño relish.

The New York Times

The program is not as effective as it ought to be in preventing overpopulation due to poverty & ignorance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it ought to be" to express an expected or ideal state, particularly when emphasizing a sense of order, justice, or correctness. It adds a touch of formality and can be effective in persuasive or evaluative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as it ought to be" in overly casual conversations or informal writing. Its slightly formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "as it should be" or "as expected" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it ought to be" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express that a situation or action aligns with an expected or ideal state. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it ought to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something is in its expected or ideal state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to modify a verb or clause, expressing satisfaction, approval, or agreement, particularly in contexts where order, justice, or correctness are emphasized. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal settings, and overuse in casual conversation should be avoided. Its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and academic sources highlights its broad applicability and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it should be

Substitutes "ought to" with "should", maintaining the same sense of expectation or correctness.

as it's supposed to be

Replaces "ought to" with "supposed to", indicating an intended or prescribed state.

as it's meant to be

Emphasizes the intended design or purpose behind the expected state.

in the proper order

Focuses on the correct arrangement or sequence of things.

in its rightful place

Highlights the idea of something being where it belongs.

according to plan

Indicates that something is happening as it was originally intended.

by all rights

Suggests that something is deserved or justified based on established principles.

as intended

A shorter, more direct way of saying something is happening according to its original purpose.

as things should stand

Highlights a desired or ideal state of affairs.

in good order

Emphasizes that something is functioning correctly and efficiently.

FAQs

What does "as it ought to be" mean?

The phrase "as it ought to be" means in the way that is correct, desirable, or expected. It expresses that something is in its proper or ideal state.

When is it appropriate to use "as it ought to be"?

It is appropriate to use "as it ought to be" when you want to emphasize that something aligns with a specific standard, expectation, or ideal, often implying a sense of order or justice. It is common in formal writing and speech.

What can I say instead of "as it ought to be"?

You can use alternatives like "as it should be", "as it's supposed to be", or "as intended" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as it ought to be" and "as it should be"?

While both phrases express a sense of correctness, "as it ought to be" carries a slightly stronger connotation of moral obligation or ideal perfection, whereas "as it should be" is generally a more neutral expression of expectation.