ought to be included

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be included" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something should be part of a group, list, or consideration. Example: "In the final report, several key points ought to be included to ensure a comprehensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

All of this ought to be included in Petraeus's legacy.

The New Yorker

"I felt that was a strong enough case that they ought to be included for recognition".

The New York Times

If we count fish as our cognitive peers, they ought to be included in our circle of moral duty.

The New Yorker

When this September's AFL-CIO convention considers building an alliance with community groups and social movements, the strategic focus on WSDEs ought to be included.

The Guardian - Opinion

The developer acknowledged that housing and other amenities ought to be included in future shopping centers, although they are not planned for Valley Plaza.

The New York Times - Arts

The bill has farsighted elements that ought to be included in any final legislation — and serious defects that ought to be remedied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

All the talk has been of Martina Hingis and Jelena Dokic returning to the tour, but perhaps Venus and Serena Williams ought also to be included in the star-studded group of returnees who will be taking the courts at Melbourne Park this week for the year's first grand slam.

The Guardian - Sport

Such a balance, however, omits short-term movements that occur in the ordinary course of business, which may be called "normal" and which ought in principle to be included.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I think that all new teachers ought to be tested, including in the subjects that they teach.

The New York Times

A prosecutor was insisting that if Dr. Lee were placed in home detention, as the judge had proposed, every arriving package ought to be inspected, including flowers.

The New York Times

A handful of others… Others who have close relationships with the Berlin Phil, and who ought to be considered, include Daniel Harding (another very strong candidate for next time), Paavo Järvi, Semyon Bychkov, and Vladimir Jurowski.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be included", ensure the context clearly establishes why the inclusion is necessary or beneficial. Provide specific reasoning to strengthen your argument.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ought to be included" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "should be added" or "needs to be in there" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be included" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advisability or necessity. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that something should rightfully be part of a group or list based on a certain rationale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be included" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that suggests the advisability or necessity of including something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news. While acceptable in most settings, be mindful of its somewhat formal tone and consider alternatives like "should be added" in informal situations. Remember to provide clear reasons when advocating for inclusion to strengthen your argument. This comprehensive analysis provides a robust understanding of how to effectively use "ought to be included" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be incorporated

Emphasizes integrating something into a larger whole.

needs to be integrated

Highlights the requirement of integrating something.

should be added

Focuses on the act of appending or including something more generally.

should be considered for inclusion

Emphasizes that something warrants consideration to be included.

warrants inclusion

Indicates that something justifies being included.

deserves to be featured

Implies that something is worthy of prominent inclusion.

must be factored in

Emphasizes the necessity of considering something when making calculations or plans.

must be comprised

Focuses on the composition, emphasizing what should make up a whole.

is essential for incorporation

Stresses the necessity of something for successful integration.

is suitable for addition

Highlights the appropriateness of adding something to a group.

FAQs

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

The phrase "ought to be included" suggests something should be part of a group or list. For example, "This chapter ought to be included in the textbook."

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

You can use alternatives like "should be incorporated", "needs to be integrated", or "should be added" depending on the context.

Is "ought to be included" formal or informal?

"Ought to be included" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "should be in there" or "needs to be added."

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

While similar, "ought to be included" carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation or advisability than "should be included". "Ought to" implies a moral or practical necessity.