ought to be followed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be followed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a recommendation or obligation regarding actions that should be taken. Example: "The guidelines provided by the committee ought to be followed to ensure the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Our country has laws governing immigration and citizenship that ought to be followed.

The New York Times

"It is yet another lead that points toward Iraqi involvement in some sort of terrorism against the United States that ought to be followed up vigorously," he said.

The New York Times

This academic excitement over a black character's saying something "unmediated" ought to be followed by a little attention to what it is that the character is actually saying.

The New Yorker

WHEN discussing the airline business, Michael Boyd uses the term "raw, naked economics" as if it ought to be followed by a shriek off a movie screen.

The New York Times

This is a sterling biography, equal to its subject, but it ought to be followed up at once with Bernhardt's own memoirs – and perhaps a jar of smelling salts.

The Guardian - Books

The Welsh debate's more practical focus, and in particular its attention to federalist or quasi-federalist options for Wales within the UK, ought to be followed much more attentively in England, where many of the same issues apply.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The House of Lords held that Zamir ought not to be followed as its reasoning would affect the judicial protection of those whose liberty the executive is seeking to interfere with.

Wikipedia

Those incentives ought to be abolished.Active ownershipIf these proposals and principles were to be followed, shareholders ought then to be able to find their own ways of becoming active owners or at least of exercising their obligations.

The Economist

Later that same year, Walsh criticised the Cameron government again, suggesting that the London Olympics ought to have been followed up with greater infrastructure spending to tackle unemployment.

Wikipedia

As a "first-order moral account"—an account of which moral principles are correct constructivism is the view that the moral principles we ought to accept or follow are the ones that agents would agree to or endorse were they to engage in a hypothetical or idealized process of rational deliberation.

SEP

But he ought to, if he is to follow the example of the nation's top spiritual leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be followed", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is expected to follow the mentioned guidelines or rules. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ought to be followed" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using "should be followed" or "needs to be followed" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be followed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate that certain rules, guidelines, or principles should be adhered to.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to be followed" is a modal verb phrase used to express a strong recommendation or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and common in various contexts. While it appears in diverse sources, it's more prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Consider alternatives like "should be adhered to" for broader applicability or "must be obeyed" for situations requiring strict compliance. When employing "ought to be followed", ensure clarity regarding who should follow the specified guidelines to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be adhered to

Replaces "ought to" with the more common "should", focusing on adherence.

must be obeyed

Emphasizes a stronger sense of obligation and compliance.

needs to be observed

Highlights the necessity of observing a rule or guideline.

should be complied with

Similar to "must be obeyed" but with a slightly less forceful tone.

is recommended to be used

Shifts the focus to a recommendation rather than an obligation.

is advisable to implement

Suggests that implementing something is a good idea.

it's best to observe

An informal way of suggesting adherence to something.

it is crucial to adhere to

Emphasizes the importance of adherence.

it is essential to comply with

Highlights the fundamental need for compliance.

it's important to act in accordance with

Focuses on aligning actions with guidelines or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "ought to be followed" in a sentence?

The phrase "ought to be followed" is used to express that something should be adhered to or complied with. For example: "The company's safety regulations "ought to be followed" at all times to prevent accidents."

What alternatives can I use instead of "ought to be followed"?

You can use alternatives such as "should be adhered to", "must be obeyed", or "needs to be observed" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "ought to be followed" formal or informal?

"Ought to be followed" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "should be followed". It's suitable for official documents, academic writing, or situations where a strong sense of obligation is needed.

What is the difference between "ought to be followed" and "should be followed"?

While both phrases express a recommendation, "ought to be followed" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or duty compared to "should be followed". The latter is often used for general advice or suggestions, while the former implies a more compelling reason for compliance.