ought to be read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a recommendation or obligation regarding reading something. Example: "This book is a classic that ought to be read by anyone interested in literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Train Dreams" ought to be read.

The New York Times - Books

"The fact that" ought to be read by any editor as "please rewrite this bit".

Independent

Of Mice and Men and Animal Farm ought to be read by 12-year-olds.

The Guardian - Books

"It ought to be read by every MP, every prison governor and every prison officer.

The Guardian - Books

For all its linguistic and conceptual sophistication, narratively, it's a slender romance that ought to be read swiftly.

The Guardian - Books

Landmarks is a book that ought to be read by policymakers, educators, armchair environmentalists and active conservationists the world over.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

And we ought to be reading the science, and we ought to be debating the science.

The New Yorker

Even if a shopper doesn't ask a clerk for suggestions, the very selection on the shelves conspires to tell him what he ought to be reading.

The New Yorker

He is a fictional Royal Thai detective and Buddhist created by the novelist John Burdett, and you really ought to be reading his adventures, if only for the marvelous descriptions of food.

The New York Times

Despite the best intentions, he can't stay off the beer or sausage rolls or bring himself to open the books on chess strategy that he knows he ought to be reading.

The Guardian - Books

While sites with independent-minded advice, like the earnest material at travel-journal.org, still have the feel of something you ought to be reading, rather than actually want to.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to be read" to convey a sense of duty or strong recommendation, especially when suggesting important or beneficial reading material.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be read" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "should be read" or "is worth reading" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be read" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advisability or recommendation. It indicates that something deserves or requires reading, suggesting a degree of importance or benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ought to be read" is a modal verb phrase used to express a strong recommendation or advisability concerning written material. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for conveying a sense of obligation or benefit associated with reading. While the phrase is more formal than alternatives like "should be read", it remains a common expression, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. To ensure effective writing, it's recommended to use "ought to be read" when aiming to convey a sense of duty or importance but to avoid it in informal settings where alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Should be read

Replaces "ought to" with the more common "should", reducing formality.

Must be read

Emphasizes the necessity of reading, increasing the intensity of the recommendation.

Needs to be read

Similar to "must be read", highlighting the requirement.

Is worth reading

Focuses on the value of reading, rather than obligation.

Is recommended reading

More formal way of suggesting something to read.

Deserves to be read

Highlights the merit of the material.

Is essential reading

Emphasizes the importance, similar to "must be read".

It is advisable to read

Expresses a recommendation in a more formal way.

I recommend that you read

A direct recommendation, less passive than "ought to be read".

Consider reading

A milder suggestion.

FAQs

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

"Ought to be read" expresses a recommendation or obligation. For example, "This report "ought to be read" by every manager."

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

You can use alternatives like "should be read", "must be read", or "is worth reading" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ought to be read" or "should be read"?

Both "ought to be read" and "should be read" are grammatically correct. "Should" is more commonly used in contemporary English, while "ought to" carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation.

What's the difference between "ought to be read" and "needs to be read"?

"Ought to be read" implies a moral or advisory obligation, whereas "needs to be read" suggests a practical necessity or requirement.