ought to be doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"ought to be doing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express an obligation or expectation for someone to be doing something. Example: She ought to be studying for her exam instead of watching TV.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We ought to be doing more together.

The New York Times

"We ought to be doing that.

The Guardian - Tech

We ought to be doing likewise in Calais.

The New Yorker

That is not what a judge ought to be doing".

The New York Times

This is what artists ought to be doing.

The Guardian - Arts

We ought to be doing it with broadband".

The Guardian - Tech

So here is what you ought to be doing right now in Montenegro.

The Economist

This is an area where the state ought to be doing more.

The New York Times

Here is what you ought to be doing right now in Central Asia.

The Economist

What people in developing nations ought to be doing, he notes, is farming.

The Economist

On the subject of poor throws, anyone playing basketball really ought to be doing better.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to be doing" to express a moral obligation or expectation, particularly when suggesting a better or more appropriate course of action. For example: "Considering his experience, he "ought to be doing" more to mentor junior colleagues".

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be doing" to give direct commands. The phrase is better suited for expressing advice or expectations. Instead of saying "You "ought to be doing" your homework now!", a more direct command like "Do your homework now!" is preferable.

Linguistic Context

"Ought to be doing" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation, advisability, or expectation. It expresses what someone should ideally be doing based on a certain standard or requirement. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse scenarios, emphasizing its role in suggesting correct or expected actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be doing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modal verb phrase that expresses obligation, advisability, or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-accepted in written English, predominantly appearing in News & Media contexts. While similar to "should be doing", "ought to be doing" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral duty. When writing, remember to use "ought to be doing" to suggest ideal actions or express what someone should be prioritizing, and avoid using it in direct commands. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "ought to be doing" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be doing

Expresses a similar level of obligation or recommendation.

need to be doing

Highlights the necessity of an action.

have to be doing

Indicates a stronger obligation or requirement.

must be doing

Conveys a sense of strong necessity or logical conclusion.

should have been doing

Implies a past obligation that was not met.

it's advisable to be doing

More formally suggests a recommended course of action.

it is expected to be doing

Focuses on the expectation surrounding an action.

are supposed to be doing

Indicates an expectation based on a rule or agreement.

it's your duty to be doing

Emphasizes the moral or ethical obligation.

are required to be doing

Highlights a formal requirement or regulation.

FAQs

How does "ought to be doing" differ from "should be doing"?

"Ought to be doing" and "should be doing" both express obligation, but "ought to" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral duty or expectation than "should".

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

Use "ought to be doing" when you want to suggest a course of action that is morally right, expected, or advisable given the circumstances. It's common in expressing what someone should be prioritizing.

What are some alternatives to "ought to be doing"?

Alternatives include "should be doing", "need to be doing", or "must be doing". The best choice depends on the strength of the obligation you want to convey.

Can "ought to be doing" be used in questions?

Yes, "ought to be doing" can be used in questions to inquire about the appropriateness or expectedness of an action. For example: "Ought we to be doing more to support local businesses?"