ought to be permitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be permitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is considered appropriate or acceptable to allow. Example: "In a democratic society, freedom of speech ought to be permitted to ensure that all voices are heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But in such cases, there is no one better placed to decide where the right lies and what morally ought to be permitted.

The Guardian

"The argument will move from whether or not this kind of conduct ought to be permitted, to simply how many stem cell lines are going to be required to maximize the benefits to be derived," he said.

The New York Times

He said that neither Apple nor any other tech company ought to be permitted to create "warrant-free spaces" through the use of robust encryption, particularly as mobile and software manufacturers increasingly render user keys inaccessible to themselves.

The Guardian - Tech

Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, called on Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, warned that North Korea must dismantle its weapons program and said international inspectors ought to be permitted back into Iraq.

The New York Times

We might also consider the idea that a woman's "husband" in this passage is in fact Christ himself, and that if a woman learns from this Husband, then she ought to be permitted to speak (17).

SEP

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPAA) is busy girding itself for a fight over new greenhouse gas emissions rules, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments today in a case on whether lawsuits over climate ought to be permitted.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Ought it to be permitted nuclear weapons, even ones that it wouldn't be allowed to use unless the Americans told it to?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"To subject respectable citizens, some of whom have already been discharged by the magistrate, to a criminal prosecution is an indignity which ought not, in common fairness, to be permitted," read Carter's letter to the judge.

Vice

Along the way Socrates makes yet another point of great importance, namely that the poets ought not be permitted to say that those punished for misdeeds are wretched; rather, they must say that in paying a (just) penalty, bad men are benefited by the god (380b2 6).

SEP

This test ought to be simple but permitting the child to explore the categories of subject, verb, and complement related to her daily routine and to her interaction with other people.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

"Hair Battle Spectacular" is the coffin in which all similar ideas scheduled for future broadcast ought to be buried, no exhuming permitted.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to be permitted" when you want to express a sense of moral or ethical obligation regarding allowance, not just simple permission. It's stronger than "should be allowed".

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be permitted" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "should be allowed" or "can be permitted" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be permitted" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advisability or obligation. As seen in Ludwig examples, it suggests that something deserves to be allowed, often based on moral or ethical considerations. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be permitted" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express that something should be allowed, often for ethical or moral reasons. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in formal contexts such as news media and scientific publications. While it is a "Correct" phrase, according to Ludwig AI, remember to use it judiciously, as overuse in informal settings may sound pretentious. Consider alternatives like "should be allowed" in less formal situations. Keep in mind that this phrase has a stronger sense of obligation than its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be allowed

Emphasizes a recommendation or expectation for permission, less formal than "ought".

should be authorized

Focuses on formal approval or sanctioning, implying a degree of official endorsement.

is acceptable to allow

Highlights the permissibility from a point of view of what is considered tolerable.

is permissible

Directly states that something is allowable, often in a legal or rule-based context.

may be allowed

Suggests a possibility of being permitted, implying less certainty than "ought".

could be permitted

Indicates a potential for permission, often depending on certain conditions.

is advisable to allow

Recommends allowing something based on its perceived benefits or advantages.

is appropriate to allow

Suggests that allowing something aligns with expected norms or standards.

is reasonable to allow

Presents the act of allowing something as logical or justifiable.

deserves to be allowed

Implies that something has earned the right to be permitted, suggesting fairness or merit.

FAQs

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

Use "ought to be permitted" when you want to suggest that something should be allowed based on moral or ethical reasons. For example, "Freedom of speech ought to be permitted in a democratic society".

What's a less formal way to say "ought to be permitted"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "should be allowed" or "could be permitted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "should be permitted" and "ought to be permitted"?

"Ought to be permitted" carries a stronger sense of moral obligation or duty compared to "should be permitted". While both suggest that something is advisable, "ought" implies a greater imperative.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "ought to be permitted"?

The phrase "ought to be permitted" is most appropriate in formal writing or discussions when you want to argue that something should be allowed based on ethical or moral principles, rather than simply stating that it is possible or likely.