ought not to be accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought not to be accepted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something should not be accepted or is not appropriate in a given context. Example: "The proposal presented by the committee ought not to be accepted due to its lack of feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In detail, according to teachers who did not accept or selectively accepted evolutionary theory, (a) evolutionary theory ought not to be taught, (b) time spent for evolution and creationism ought to be the same, or (c) evolutionary theory ought to be taught so that students can speak their mind concerning the theory.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

When married men like me were just beginning to accept that they were gay, and ought not to be married.

The New York Times - Science

They ought not to be.

The Economist

That ought not to be impossible.

The Economist

That ought not to be too hard.

The Economist

His claim ought not to be ridiculous.

The Economist

This ought not to be surprising.

The Economist

That situation ought not to be stable.

The Economist

"YOUNG people ought not to be idle.

The Economist

It ought not to be.

The Guardian - Sport

Writing about it ought not to be.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought not to be accepted" when expressing a moral or ethical judgment about the suitability of something for acceptance. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the relatively formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "ought not to be accepted" in informal or casual contexts where a simpler phrase like "should not be accepted" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought not to be accepted" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing disapproval or a strong recommendation against accepting something. It conveys a sense of moral or ethical obligation, suggesting that acceptance would be inappropriate or wrong.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought not to be accepted" is a modal verb phrase used to express strong disapproval or a moral imperative against accepting something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Its usage leans towards formal and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of ethical obligation. While less common in everyday speech, it's valuable for expressing normative judgments in professional or academic settings. Alternatives like "should not be accepted" or "must not be accepted" can be used depending on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Should not be accepted

More common and less formal alternative.

Must not be accepted

Stronger emphasis on prohibition.

Cannot be accepted

Expresses impossibility of acceptance.

Is unacceptable

Direct statement of unacceptability.

Is not to be accepted

Formal and emphatic rejection.

Should be rejected

Suggests active dismissal.

Is inadmissible

More formal and legalistic term.

Cannot be tolerated

Emphasizes inability to endure or allow.

Is out of the question

Idiomatic expression indicating impossibility.

Is not an option

Expresses that something is not a possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "ought not to be accepted" in a sentence?

The phrase "ought not to be accepted" is used to express that something should not be accepted. For example, "That kind of behavior "ought not to be accepted" in a professional setting."

What phrases are similar to "ought not to be accepted"?

Similar phrases include "should not be accepted", "must not be accepted", or "cannot be accepted", each varying slightly in strength and formality.

Is "ought not to be accepted" the same as "should not be accepted"?

While similar, "ought not to be accepted" is generally considered more formal and carries a slightly stronger sense of moral or ethical obligation than "should not be accepted".

When is it appropriate to use "ought not to be accepted" over other alternatives?

Use "ought not to be accepted" in situations where you want to convey a sense of moral or ethical disapproval and maintain a formal tone. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "should not be accepted" may be more suitable.