it ought to include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it ought to include" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a recommendation or expectation about what should be part of something, such as a document, plan, or list. Example: "The report is missing key information; it ought to include a summary of the findings and recommendations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"If a depreciation is in the package, it ought to include an offsetting relief to the states".

The New York Times

He was curly-haired and handsome in the pugilistic way that looks as though it ought to include a broken tooth.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, she said, when somebody does use the company's software to send unsolicited e-mail, it ought to include a way to decline to receive future overtures.

The New York Times

It ought to include as much as 200 billion euros to recapitalize banks across the region; extra liquidity, again for banks; and a beefed-up bailout fund to help Italy, if needed.

The New York Times

The celebration is so rare that it ought to include a banquet, with speeches and plates of grim-looking chicken in roasted poblano sauce, along with a Lucite trophy and lots of flashbulb photographs.

The New York Times

It ought to include live testimony by survivors of nerve-gas attacks, corroborative evidence of the ruling regime's complicity and a review of past use of chemical weapons, notably by Iraq in its war with Iran and against its own Kurdish citizens.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's been brought to my attention that, if I hope to flog this book in the UK, I ought to include some insights into Brit politicians.

The Guardian - Books

("Can I kiss it a little, hon? To get a better diagnosis?") When one man describes a dream that involves slightly more than 4,000 people — and, now that he thinks about it, really ought to include every woman in the world — Lila is the voice of reason.

The New York Times - Books

"If you want the proper historical record, you ought to include it," Mr. Grob said.

The New York Times

Such notes beg the question of whether a book ought to include its own explanation.

The New York Times - Books

But if there is going to be a lobster bisque, it should not taste vaguely of cardboard and ought to include more than one little piece of lobster and some cartilage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it ought to include", ensure that the subject to which "it" refers is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The proposal ought to include a detailed budget breakdown" is clearer than simply stating, "It ought to include a detailed budget breakdown."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ought to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "should" or "needs to" for better flow and tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it ought to include" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a recommendation or expectation about what should be a component of something. It suggests that including something is advisable or necessary for completeness or correctness. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Books

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it ought to include" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to suggest that something should be part of a whole, whether that is a plan, report, or list. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While not as frequent as alternatives like "should include", "it ought to include" presents a slightly more formal tone, making it suitable for professional or neutral contexts like news or formal documents. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "should" or "needs to" to maintain a natural flow. Remember to clearly define the subject when using this phrase for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should incorporate

Replaces "ought to" with the more direct "should", implying a strong recommendation.

it needs to encompass

Substitutes "ought to include" with "needs to encompass", emphasizing necessity and breadth.

it is advisable to incorporate

Replaces "ought to" with the more formal "is advisable to", suggesting a recommendation based on wisdom.

it is recommended that it contain

Uses a passive construction with "recommended" to emphasize the suggestion's source.

it is imperative that it integrate

Emphasizes the urgency of inclusion using "imperative", suggesting that inclusion is crucial.

it is essential for it to comprise

Highlights the fundamental necessity of inclusion using "essential".

it would be wise to add

Suggests inclusion from a perspective of practicality and prudence.

it is important to consider

Focuses on the act of considering something for inclusion, rather than the direct act of including it.

it must not omit

Shifts the focus to avoiding omission, implying a strong need for inclusion.

it should be supplemented with

Suggests adding something to enhance what already exists, rather than a core inclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "it ought to include" in a sentence?

You can use "it ought to include" to express a recommendation or expectation about what should be part of something. For example, "The report ought to include a summary of the findings".

What is a more informal way to say "it ought to include"?

More informal alternatives to "it ought to include" include phrases like "it should include" or "it needs to include".

Is "it ought to include" the same as "it must include"?

While both express a need for inclusion, "it must include" carries a stronger sense of obligation or requirement than "it ought to include".

What are some phrases similar to "it ought to include" that emphasize importance?

To emphasize the importance of inclusion, you can use phrases like "it is essential for it to comprise" or "it is imperative that it integrate".