ought to be improved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be improved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something needs enhancement or betterment. Example: "The current system is functional, but it ought to be improved to meet user expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He called for more work to be done on the section of the line affected this week but also said an alternative route from Exeter to London via Yeovil ought to be improved.

The Guardian

Eagles fans are intrigued to see what their team can achieve under new coach Chip Kelly, but the Redskins know they can rely on a strong running game even without RG3's input, as well as a defense that ought to be improved by Brian Orapko's return from the torn pectoral muscle that wiped out his 2012 season.

The Guardian - Sport

If velocities (perpendicular to a magnetic field) of charged particles are accelerated largely within the cyclotron resonance space, the reflection efficiency of a magnetic mirror behind the resonance space ought to be improved.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Self-images and self-worth ought to be improved by asking our girls to do what so much of the media won't do - create their own narratives and search for powerful women role models and leaders to write about.

Huffington Post

Although a handful of NGO networks do currently exist (i.e. PROCOSI, a network of 31 NGOs that provide health services in the country), generally speaking, co-ordination of NGOs and their projects ought to be improved.

Globalization and Health

In the case of the G551D/WT R553X/WT genotype, the Roche test needs careful interpretation (and ought to be improved) because the hybridisation at the one locus destabilised the hybridisation at the other locus which is only 4 bp apart.

BMC Clinical Pathology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The M.T.A. ought to be improving these railroads, not undermining them by thinking up new ways to induce people to use their cars".

The New Yorker

As a normative system providing a standard by which an individual ought to act and by which the existing practices of society, including its moral code, ought to be evaluated and improved, utilitarianism cannot be verified or confirmed in the way in which a descriptive theory can, but it is not regarded by its exponents as simply arbitrary.

Britannica

"A policy with decriminalisation as its focus ought to be recommended to improve relationships with police by removing threats of enforcement.

The Guardian

But now the famous badges are to see a change: out go wood-whittling, blacksmithery and other old-school notions of what young people ought to be doing to improve their characters and in come some far more up-to-date ideas covering computer whizzery, disability awareness, understanding global issues, photography and helping out in food banks and othercommunity-based projects.

The Guardian

In practice, hierarchies can capture broad contextual information at different levels and hence ought to be exploited to improve the recommendation quality.

Data Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be improved", specify what aspect needs improvement to provide clarity and direction.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "ought to be improved" as it can sound passive. Consider stronger verbs and more direct phrasing to convey a sense of urgency or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be improved" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a suggestion or recommendation that something needs enhancement or betterment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ought to be improved" is a grammatically sound way to suggest that something needs enhancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. While "should be enhanced" is a more common alternative, "ought to be improved" is acceptable in various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and formal communications. Remember to specify what needs improvement and avoid overusing the phrase to maintain a strong and direct tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be enhanced

Replaces "ought to" with "should", making it a more common and slightly less formal suggestion.

needs to be upgraded

Focuses on upgrading to a newer or better version, implying a specific type of improvement.

could be refined

Suggests making something more subtle and effective through small changes.

can be ameliorated

Indicates making something better, particularly something bad or unsatisfactory.

requires further development

Highlights the need for more work and progress in its development.

would benefit from optimization

Emphasizes making something more efficient and effective.

warrants further attention

Suggests that something is worthy of being looked at and developed further.

is in need of revision

Indicates that something requires changes and corrections.

demands a better approach

Stresses that a new or different method is needed.

calls for a redesign

Suggests that a complete overhaul or new design is necessary.

FAQs

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

Use "ought to be improved" to suggest that something should be made better. For example, "The current system is functional, but it "ought to be improved" to meet user expectations."

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

You can use alternatives like "should be enhanced", "needs to be upgraded", or "could be refined" depending on the specific context.

Is "ought to be improved" formal or informal?

"Ought to be improved" is considered relatively formal. In more informal contexts, phrases like "needs improvement" or "can be better" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "ought to be improved" and "should be improved"?

While similar, "ought to" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability than "should". In practice, they are often interchangeable, but "should be improved" is generally more common.