ought to be fixed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be fixed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a recommendation or obligation for something to be repaired or corrected. Example: "The broken fence ought to be fixed before the winter storms arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Critical habitat is a problem that ought to be fixed, if not in the manner proposed by the administration.

The New York Times

In part, this is because of an overly complicated and bureaucratic approval process that everyone agrees ought to be fixed.

The New York Times

But this highlights a flaw in the law's enforcement which can — and perhaps ought to — be fixed regardless of the merits of the BHP bid.

The New York Times

It also suggested that CNN make no projections about a state while polls remain open there, and that the flawed Voter News Service, a consortium run by the networks and The Associated Press which provides election data, ought to be fixed.

The New York Times

"There are certainly issues with the Affordable Care Act that ought to be fixed," Beshear said.

Huffington Post

It implies that something is not as it should be and ought to be fixed if possible".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As NBC learned recently about "The Tonight Show," if something on TV is not broken, perhaps it ought not to be fixed.

The New York Times

"And all the harm they can do consists in their strengthening and conserving... others which ought not to be fixed there".

The New York Times - Magazine

Cameron told an audience at a public question and answer session in Birmingham yesterday that there ought to be "fixed-term" tenancy deals, so individuals can be moved on if their circumstances change.

The Guardian

In fact, this approach requires for the generation of random instances of program inputs that obey various sorts of syntactic and semantic constraints (where the random instances usually ought to be of a preliminarily fixed input size in order to be comparable to each other).

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

The short term problem with tax credits ought to be (relatively) easy to fix.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be fixed", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be corrected or repaired. This phrase works best when the subject requiring fixing is explicitly stated.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ought to be fixed" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "needs fixing" or "should be fixed" to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be fixed" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase expressing necessity or recommendation. It indicates that something requires repair or correction. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to express the need for improvements in various systems and situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be fixed" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating a need for repair or correction. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to express the necessity of addressing certain issues. While "ought to be fixed" is generally appropriate, consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember, while grammatically correct, it's essential to ensure the subject requiring the fix is clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be repaired

Replaces "ought to" with the more common "should be", indicating a recommendation.

needs to be corrected

Uses "needs to be" instead of "ought to be", focusing on the necessity of the correction.

requires fixing

Emphasizes the requirement for fixing, using a gerund form.

must be amended

Replaces "fixed" with "amended", suggesting a formal correction.

has to be rectified

Uses "has to be" for obligation and "rectified" for a more formal correction.

is in need of repair

Phrases the need as being "in need of repair", a more descriptive approach.

demands mending

Replaces "fixed" with "mending", suggesting a need for care.

calls for resolution

Suggests the problem "calls for resolution", indicating a need to solve an issue.

warrants attention

Indicates that something "warrants attention", suggesting it needs to be addressed.

is crying out for attention

Emphasizes the urgency of the need for correction, using a more vivid expression.

FAQs

What does "ought to be fixed" mean?

The phrase "ought to be fixed" means something needs to be repaired, corrected, or resolved. It suggests an obligation or recommendation for improvement.

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

It's appropriate to use "ought to be fixed" when you want to express a need for correction or repair in a somewhat formal or serious tone. Consider if a more casual phrase like "should be fixed" would be more suitable.

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

Alternatives include "needs to be corrected", "requires fixing", or "should be repaired". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "ought to be fixed" and "should be fixed"?

While both express a recommendation, "ought to be fixed" can sound slightly more formal or carry a stronger sense of obligation than "should be fixed". The difference is subtle and often negligible.