ought to be given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a recommendation or obligation regarding something that should be provided or granted. Example: "In this situation, the support that the community ought to be given is crucial for recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Thus, the main intent of the maxim is to point out the worth of a human being and the respect that ought to be given to her by virtue of her humanity.

SEP

Measured in this way, well-being in much of sub-Saharan Africa is lower than it ought to be, given rising average incomes per person.

The Economist

Her parents ought to be given a gold cup.

The Guardian - Books

Britons ought to be given a say on their membership of the EU.

The Economist

But General Petraeus ought to be given a chance to succeed.

The New York Times - Magazine

These are important ideas, and ought to be given proper consideration.

The Guardian - Opinion

I would think that Kutcher ought to be given a knighthood and a victory parade.

The Guardian - Sport

But some thought ought to be given to the symbolic importance.

The New York Times

This aspect of Dickens' writing ought to be given more attention, especially in his bicentenary year.

The Guardian

But, if someone applied only for one free school application form, they ought to be given it.

The Guardian

And what is worse, they take up very precious time that ought to be given to what is spiritually beneficial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be given", consider the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended audience. "Should be given" is often a suitable substitute in less formal situations.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ought to be given" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for "should be given" or a more direct phrasing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be given" functions as a modal construction expressing advisability or obligation in a passive voice. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is grammatically correct and widely used. It highlights that something is advisable or required to be provided to someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be given" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, particularly in contexts where recommending or suggesting a course of action is necessary. While it carries a somewhat formal tone, it is widely accepted across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, consider the level of formality required and the subtle difference between "ought to" and "should", as the latter might be more appropriate in less formal settings. Remember that while grammatical, overusing "ought to" may sound unnatural in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be given

A more common and slightly less formal alternative, implying a recommendation or expectation.

must be given

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation or necessity.

needs to be given

Emphasizes the necessity of providing something.

deserves to be given

Highlights the worthiness of the recipient.

is to be given

A more formal phrasing, often used in official contexts.

is required to be given

Indicates a mandatory action, often legally or contractually binding.

is entitled to be given

Highlights a right or entitlement to receive something.

is worthy of being given

Emphasizes that something merits being granted.

is due to be given

Suggests that something is scheduled or expected to be provided.

merits being given

Similar to 'deserves to be given', but perhaps slightly more formal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "This prize ought to be given to the winner"?

Alternatives include "This prize "should be given" to the winner", "The winner deserves this prize", or "The winner is entitled to this prize", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

"Ought to be given" and ""should be given"" are very similar, but "ought to" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or duty, while "should" is a more general recommendation.

Is "ought to be given" formal or informal?

"Ought to be given" is considered more formal than alternatives like ""should be given"" or "needs to be given". Use it in contexts where a degree of formality is appropriate.

Can "ought to be given" be used in all tenses?

"Ought to be given" primarily exists in the present or future tenses. Using it in past tense constructions may require rephrasing to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.