ought to be required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that should be mandatory or necessary in a particular context. Example: "In order to ensure safety, certain training programs ought to be required for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

For American schoolchildren, it ought to be required viewing, during Black History Month or any month.

The New York Times - Arts

It ought to be required reading for the incoming housing minister, Gavin Barwell.

The Guardian

which ought to be required reading for those engaged in contracting out government services.

Cornell University

Service to the nation of some sort ought to be required of every citizen.

Princeton University

Skidelsky and Clarke have written books - each barely 200 pages - which ought to be required reading for every prospective minister.

The Guardian - Books

Of the unfinished work, the farm bill has languished amid a partisan clash about whether some recipients of federal nutritional benefits ought to be required to work.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The first step ought to be requiring the government to reimburse innocent bystanders for their time and trouble in complying with police demands.

Forbes

This risk the company ought not to be required to take.

Cornell University

It was there declared that excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Cornell University

In comparison, the English Bill of Rights a century earlier states: "That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without such a showing of probable cause, the district courts ought not to be required as a matter of mere routine to lend their aid to the proceeding by compelling obedience to the subpoena.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be required", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is imposing the requirement. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be required" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "should" or "needs to be" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be required" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity. It suggests that a particular action or measure is highly advisable or essential in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be required" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that something should be mandatory or necessary. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While versatile, it leans towards formal usage, making it suitable for academic, news, and professional settings. When choosing this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider whether a more direct or assertive alternative might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be mandatory

Replaces "ought to" with a more direct expression of obligation using "should".

must be compulsory

Substitutes "ought to" with "must" and "required" with "compulsory" for a stronger emphasis on obligation.

needs to be obligatory

Emphasizes the necessity of something being obligatory, adding a layer of urgency.

is essential

Focuses on the essential nature of the requirement, highlighting its importance.

is imperative

Conveys a sense of urgency and importance, suggesting that the requirement is crucial.

is a must

A shorter, more informal way of saying something is required or essential.

is a prerequisite

Highlights that something is a necessary condition that must be met beforehand.

is indispensable

Stresses that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

it is crucial

Directly states the crucial nature of the requirement, emphasizing its significance.

it is vital

Similar to "crucial" but emphasizes the life-or-death importance of the requirement in certain contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ought to be required" to sound more assertive?

For a more assertive tone, replace "ought to be required" with phrases like "must be compulsory" or "needs to be obligatory", which convey a stronger sense of necessity.

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

"Ought to be required" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability than "should be required". While both suggest a recommendation, "ought to" implies a greater weight of expectation. Consider using the alternative must be compulsory.

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

Yes, "ought to be required" is generally suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific tone you wish to convey. If you want a more direct or forceful statement, alternatives like "is essential" or "is imperative" might be more appropriate.

Can I use "ought to be required" in spoken English?

While grammatically correct, "ought to be required" might sound somewhat formal or stilted in casual conversation. In most spoken contexts, simpler alternatives like "should be mandatory" or "is a must" are more common and natural.