ought to be made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ought to be made' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something that is necessary or desirable, often with the implication that it has not yet occurred. For example: "In order to ensure fairness, a few changes to the system ought to be made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Executions in the United States ought to be made public.

The New York Times

It ought to be made into a film.

The Guardian - Books

"These decisions ought to be made by experts in risk management, not underage drinkers".

The New York Times

Several points ought to be made about this subjunctive travel gazetteer.

Independent

Soon they developed their own sense of how wine ought to be made, marketed and consumed.

The New York Times - Food

This is a harder case to make but I think it ought to be made.

The Economist

He hogs announcements—on health policy, for example that ought to be made by ministers.

The Economist

She said the product ought to be made with "other ingredients".

The Guardian

Those who betrayed the boys in their charge ought to be made to watch it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Otherwise, politicians of all parties have been reluctant to make clear the stark choices ought to be made now.

The Guardian - Opinion

But any drug that can safely be sold over the counter ought to be made available without prescription.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to be made" to express recommendations or suggestions with a sense of obligation, especially when indicating a need for improvement or change.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be made" when a stronger imperative like "must be made" or "has to be made" is more appropriate for expressing strict requirements or commands. "Ought to" implies a degree of choice or advisability, while stronger verbs indicate a non-negotiable necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be made" functions as a modal verb construction, expressing advisability or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It suggests that something is desirable or necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be made" is a versatile modal verb construction used to express advisability or obligation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently employed in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating its appropriateness in diverse settings. While similar to "should be made", it carries a slightly stronger sense of moral duty or advisability. When writing, remember that "ought to" implies a degree of choice, making it suitable for suggestions rather than strict commands. With its widespread use and nuanced meaning, mastering "ought to be made" can enhance the precision and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be created

Replaces "ought to" with "should", implying a recommendation rather than a strict obligation.

needs to be done

Emphasizes the necessity of the action, shifting focus from obligation to requirement.

must be implemented

Indicates a strong requirement for the action to occur, often in a formal or official context.

has to be developed

Highlights the necessity of development, useful when discussing processes or systems.

should be established

Suggests the need for something to be set up or founded.

it is advisable to make

Rephrases the obligation as advice, softening the tone.

it is recommended to create

Similar to "advisable", but uses "recommended" to suggest a professional opinion.

it would be beneficial to develop

Focuses on the positive outcome of the action, emphasizing its advantages.

action is required

Highlights the demand for an action to be performed, with no indications about the actor.

steps must be taken

Focuses on the process rather than the result, highlighting a necessary course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "ought to be made" to express that something should be done or created. For example, "Some changes "ought to be made" to improve the system".

What phrases are similar to "ought to be made"?

Similar phrases include "should be created", "needs to be done", or "must be implemented", which convey varying degrees of necessity or recommendation.

Is there a difference between 'ought to be made' and 'should be made'?

"Ought to be made" and "should be made" are similar, but "ought to" implies a stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability than "should". In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but "ought to" carries a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.

When is it best to use "ought to be made" instead of "must be made"?

Use "ought to be made" when you want to suggest that something is a good idea or morally right, but not necessarily a strict requirement. Use "must be made" when you want to emphasize that something is absolutely necessary and there is no alternative.