ought not to include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought not to include" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a recommendation or moral obligation regarding what should be excluded from a particular context or list. Example: "In our discussion about the project, we ought not to include irrelevant data that does not contribute to our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They ought not to be.

The Economist

Ought not to know?

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Iowa ought not to matter.

The Guardian

It ought not to be.

The Guardian - Sport

It ought not to happen.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought not to include" to express what is morally or ethically inadvisable to include.

Common error

Avoid using "ought not to include" in informal conversations or casual writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "shouldn't include" or "don't include" for a more appropriate register.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought not to include" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation, suggestion, or obligation concerning the exclusion of something. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, though examples are limited.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ought not to include" is a grammatically sound modal verb phrase used to express a recommendation or obligation for exclusion. While recognized as correct, Ludwig AI indicates it is less common compared to alternatives like "should not include" or "must not include". Its formality makes it more fitting for academic or professional settings. When writing, remember that using "ought not to include" is valid, but be mindful of the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not include

Replaces "ought not to" with the more common modal verb "should not", indicating a recommendation.

must not include

Uses "must not" to indicate a stronger requirement or prohibition.

is not to include

Employs a more formal and direct construction to express a prohibition.

is advised not to include

Adds a layer of advice or recommendation, softening the force of the statement.

it is not recommended to include

Similar to the previous option, but emphasizes the lack of recommendation.

it would be best not to include

Suggests the optimal course of action, indicating a preference for exclusion.

avoid including

Focuses on the action of avoiding something, rather than a direct prohibition.

refrain from including

Emphasizes the act of restraining oneself from including something.

omit including

Uses a more concise term, "omit", to indicate the act of leaving something out.

exclude from inclusion

Emphasizes the action of excluding something from being included.

FAQs

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

The phrase "ought not to include" is used to express a recommendation or moral obligation regarding what should be excluded from a particular context or list. For example, "In our discussion about the project, we "ought not to include" irrelevant data that does not contribute to our goals."

What are some alternatives to "ought not to include"?

You can use alternatives like "should not include", "must not include", or "is not to include" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "ought not to include" instead of "should not include"?

"Ought not to include" is more formal and expresses a stronger moral obligation or advisability than "should not include". Use "ought not to include" when you want to emphasize the ethical or highly advisable nature of the exclusion.

Is "ought not to include" commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "ought not to include" is less common than its alternatives like "should not include" or "must not include". Its usage is generally confined to more formal or literary contexts.