it ought to be improved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it ought to be improved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something needs enhancement or betterment. Example: "The current software has several bugs; it ought to be improved to enhance user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He called for more work to be done on the section of the line affected this week but also said an alternative route from Exeter to London via Yeovil ought to be improved.

The Guardian

Eagles fans are intrigued to see what their team can achieve under new coach Chip Kelly, but the Redskins know they can rely on a strong running game even without RG3's input, as well as a defense that ought to be improved by Brian Orapko's return from the torn pectoral muscle that wiped out his 2012 season.

The Guardian - Sport

If velocities (perpendicular to a magnetic field) of charged particles are accelerated largely within the cyclotron resonance space, the reflection efficiency of a magnetic mirror behind the resonance space ought to be improved.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Self-images and self-worth ought to be improved by asking our girls to do what so much of the media won't do - create their own narratives and search for powerful women role models and leaders to write about.

Huffington Post

In the case of the G551D/WT R553X/WT genotype, the Roche test needs careful interpretation (and ought to be improved) because the hybridisation at the one locus destabilised the hybridisation at the other locus which is only 4 bp apart.

BMC Clinical Pathology

Although a handful of NGO networks do currently exist (i.e. PROCOSI, a network of 31 NGOs that provide health services in the country), generally speaking, co-ordination of NGOs and their projects ought to be improved.

Globalization and Health

The trans-European networks in particular ought to be improved.

European Parliament

The M.T.A. ought to be improving these railroads, not undermining them by thinking up new ways to induce people to use their cars".

The New Yorker

However, it ought to be acknowledged that training without an enabling environment will not improve the overall health outcomes and QoC.

BMJ Open

By molecular design it ought to be possible to generate new cis-platinum compounds with increased selectivity and improved cellular behaviour.

Tetrahedron

It ought to be considered as a demerit of the model, and we shall improve the model in the next research.

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it ought to be improved", ensure the context clearly specifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity and ensuring the sentence flows logically.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ought to" can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "should" or "needs to" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it ought to be improved" functions as a modal expression indicating a recommendation or suggestion for enhancement. This usage aligns with standard English grammar and expresses a need for betterment.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it ought to be improved" is a grammatically correct modal expression used to suggest that something needs enhancement. While relatively formal, it conveys a polite and constructive tone suitable for professional and formal settings. The lack of examples suggests it might be less common in everyday language, with alternatives like "it should be enhanced" or "it needs to be upgraded" being more frequently used. It is important to note, it can sometimes sound overly formal in informal contexts. In summary, it's a valid and useful phrase, primarily in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should be enhanced

Replaces "ought to" with "should", indicating a recommendation rather than a necessity. This phrase is slightly less formal.

it needs to be upgraded

Emphasizes the requirement for modernization or improvement to a higher standard. Suggests a more significant change.

it requires refinement

Highlights the need for subtle improvements and polishing. More suitable when the subject is already good but needs final touches.

it would benefit from enhancement

Focuses on the positive outcome of improving something. Suggests that improvements will lead to a better result.

it could use some improvement

A more casual way of suggesting that something isn't perfect and needs work. Less direct and forceful.

improvements are necessary

Highlights the need for enhancements without specifying an agent. More impersonal and direct.

it warrants further development

Suggests that something has potential but requires additional work to realize its full capabilities. Suitable for projects or ideas.

it's ripe for optimization

Indicates that something is ready and suitable for improving efficiency or effectiveness. Commonly used in technical contexts.

it is in need of revision

Implies that something requires corrections or changes, often to fix errors or update information. Used more for documents or plans.

it demands immediate attention

Conveys a sense of urgency in addressing the need for improvement. Used when the current state is causing problems.

FAQs

What does "it ought to be improved" mean?

The phrase "it ought to be improved" suggests that something needs enhancement or betterment. It implies a recommendation for improvement based on a perceived deficiency.

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

This phrase is suitable in contexts where you want to suggest improvements politely but firmly. It's often used in formal writing or professional settings where a direct command might be too assertive.

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

You can use alternatives like "it should be enhanced", "it needs to be upgraded", or "it could use some improvement" depending on the context.

Is "it ought to be improved" more formal than "it should be improved"?

Yes, "it ought to be improved" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "it should be improved". The choice depends on the audience and the level of formality desired.