ought to be rather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be rather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a suggestion or expectation about something that should be the case, often followed by an adjective or adverb. Example: "The results of the experiment ought to be rather conclusive to support our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He regularly demands that his subordinates operate in accordance with what he thinks the law ought to be, rather than what it is.

The New Yorker

Shortly after Eakins painted a Walt Whitman portrait, Whitman wrote: "I know of but one artist, and that's Tom Eakins, who could resist the temptation to see what they think ought to be rather than what it is.

The New York Times - Health

"There are some prelates in this country who don't act very Catholic, because they're more interested in trying to change the church to what they think it ought to be rather than what Christ intended it to be.

The New York Times

Political philosophy is concerned primarily with political ideas and values, such as rights, justice, freedom, and political obligation (whether people should or should not obey political authority); it is normative in its approach (i.e., it is concerned with what ought to be rather than with what is) and rationalistic in its method.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They then had to go forward as best they could with what they could get for the stipulated amount of money.Such a process puts a premium on good lawyering, which is exactly where it ought to be, rather than on the strength of the adversary's purse or willpower.Jeffrey Reed Alexandria, VirginiaSIR - Robert Hughes's new book on Rome is not without predecessors ("Noisy and eternal", July 2nd).

The Economist

The latter tells us how things ought to be rather than telling us how things are.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Beyond history-making, The Feminine Mystique had a major effect that alone justifies its being listed among the small number of books whose authors ought to be celebrated rather than raked over the coals.

Huffington Post

And, it ought to be added, rather on trend.

The New York Times

"People who read a bill and have constructive suggestions ought to be respected rather than criticized.

The New York Times

Or maybe it was simply a respect for tradition, an overused word that ought to be earned rather than seized.

The New York Times - Food

"The licence ought to be readvertised, rather than subject to a hole-and-corner deal," said Lyons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to be rather" to suggest a nuanced recommendation, especially when offering alternatives or contrasting possibilities. This softens the tone compared to stronger directives like "must be".

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "ought to be rather" in very formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound less direct or decisive. Consider stronger verbs or more concise phrasing for impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be rather" functions as a modal expression indicating a suggestion, expectation, or preference regarding a certain state or condition. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and versatile. Examples show its use in various contexts to express how things should ideally be.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be rather" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a suggestion, expectation, or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While its register is generally neutral, it leans slightly towards formal, and it is advisable to consider more direct phrasing for very formal or academic writing. When using it, ensure the context clearly indicates a preference or expectation, distinguishing it from a strict obligation. Remember, as the examples provided show, this phrase is helpful for presenting nuanced recommendations and offering alternatives with a softened tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should ideally be

Emphasizes the ideal or preferred condition, implying a slightly stronger desire than "ought to be rather".

should preferably be

Highlights preference, suggesting a choice based on desirability rather than obligation.

is better to be

Focuses on the comparative advantage of one state over another, presenting a clearer choice.

is advisable to be

Indicates that a certain state is recommended due to its prudence or benefits.

would benefit from being

Highlights the potential advantages of adopting a particular state or condition.

it is recommended to be

Implies a formal suggestion or endorsement of a particular state.

it would be wise to be

Stresses the prudence and good judgment associated with a certain course of action.

is encouraged to be

Suggests that a particular state is being promoted or supported.

it is desirable to be

Emphasizes the attractiveness or appeal of a certain state or condition.

is supposed to be

Indicates an expectation or assumption about how something should be, potentially based on rules or norms.

FAQs

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

Use "ought to be rather" to express a suggestion or expectation about a state or condition, often followed by an adjective or adverb. For example, "The results "ought to be rather" conclusive to support our hypothesis."

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

"Ought to be rather" implies a slightly weaker obligation or recommendation compared to "should be rather". The former suggests a preference, while the latter can imply a stronger expectation or duty.

What can I say instead of "ought to be rather"?

You can use alternatives like "should ideally be", "is better to be", or "is advisable to be" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "ought to be rather" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ought to be rather" might sound less direct in formal writing. Consider using stronger verbs or more concise phrasing for greater impact and clarity.