ought to be recognized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be recognized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong recommendation or obligation regarding the acknowledgment of something or someone. Example: "The contributions of early scientists ought to be recognized for their impact on modern technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But it ought to be recognized for what it is.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think that ought to be recognized that those voters took the time to get out and vote".

The New York Times

"Well, if you're a young person and you've produced the best experiment or design, the best hardware or software, you ought to be recognized for that achievement, too.

The New York Times - Science

(He has argued that, while the cultural and linguistic heritage of Quebec ought to be recognized, the region should remain part of Canada).

The New Yorker

"Minority Leader Joseph Doria ought to be recognized for making the interests of a working leadership team paramount," Mr. McGreevey said.

The New York Times

He endorsed the goal, however, saying, "An unborn child ought to be recognized as a full-fledged member of the human family in law and public policy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Nevertheless, he claimed that a flower should be classified as free beauty (where the judgment of taste is "pure") "because hardly anyone but a botanist knows what sort of thing a flower ought to be; and even he, though recognizing in the flower the reproductive organ of the plant, pays no regard to this natural purpose if he is passing judgment on the flower by taste".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"And it ought to be used robustly to address injustice and recognize rehabilitation.

Vice

Inmates recognized him from TV, and some thought he ought to be taken down.

Los Angeles Times

It ought to be.

Independent

"You ought to be.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to be recognized" to express a moral or logical necessity for acknowledging something. Ensure the context supports the forcefulness of "ought to", as it is stronger than "should".

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be recognized" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted or overly prescriptive in relaxed settings. Opt for "should" or "needs to be" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be recognized" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong recommendation or obligation. It suggests that something or someone deserves to be acknowledged or given credit. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English to express a strong recommendation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ought to be recognized" effectively conveys a strong recommendation or obligation for acknowledging something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a formal register. When seeking alternatives, consider "should be acknowledged" or "must be recognized" to adjust the tone. Remember to reserve "ought to be recognized" for situations where a forceful expression of deserving acknowledgment is appropriate. Understanding its proper usage ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be acknowledged

Replaces "ought to" with the more common "should", making it slightly less formal.

must be recognized

Emphasizes the necessity of recognition, making it stronger and more direct.

needs to be recognized

Indicates a requirement for recognition due to a specific need or situation.

deserves recognition

Focuses on the merit or worthiness of something to be recognized.

merits recognition

Similar to "deserves recognition" but slightly more formal.

warrants acknowledgment

Suggests that recognition is justified or deserved based on specific criteria.

is worthy of recognition

Explicitly states that something has the qualities that make it deserving of recognition.

is important to acknowledge

Highlights the importance of the act of acknowledging something.

it's crucial to recognize

Emphasizes the critical nature of recognizing something.

should be given due credit

Focuses on giving proper acknowledgement for contributions or achievements.

FAQs

What does "ought to be recognized" mean?

The phrase "ought to be recognized" expresses a strong suggestion or belief that something or someone deserves acknowledgment or appreciation. It indicates a moral or logical necessity for recognition.

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

You can use alternatives like "should be acknowledged", "must be recognized", or "deserves recognition depending on the context.

Is "ought to be recognized" formal or informal?

"Ought to be recognized" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "should be recognized". It's best suited for professional writing, academic papers, or situations where a strong recommendation is needed.

When is it appropriate to use "ought to be recognized"?

Use "ought to be recognized" when you want to emphasize that something or someone truly deserves acknowledgment, often based on moral or ethical reasons. For example, "The contributions of volunteers "ought to be recognized" for their selfless dedication."