ought to be resolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be resolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or problems that require a solution or resolution. Example: "The ongoing disputes between the two parties ought to be resolved to ensure a peaceful coexistence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They ought to be resolved in public, not in secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he said there was no consensus about how the situation ought to be resolved.

The Guardian

By his way of thinking, every problem, however big or small, ought to be resolved by a meeting.

The Guardian

"The State Department has made clear to the Chinese that there are these remaining cases that ought to be resolved".

The New York Times

Parke suggested that the issue of security of the data ought to be resolved before the scheme was legislated.

The Guardian - Tech

"It ought to be resolved in a court, unless you're willing to compromise on a basic fundamental principle, which we are not," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It's the time of year when many people realise they are a little pudgier than they ought to be and resolve to slim down.

Independent

"As a former judge that used to bring parties together in settlement conferences, I'd say we're kind of close on this, and we ought to be able to resolve it," said Representative James E. Rogan, Republican of California.

The New York Times

(He says in particular that sentiment leaves unanswered or indeterminate various important issues of justice that a good theory of justice ought to be able to resolve).

SEP

When Jamie and Julie make a break for it in her VW beetle, like outlaws, she pursues them, with the aid of Abbie and William, and what ought to be a wrathful showdown resolves into a lovely sequence, touched with Shakespearean forgiveness, as everybody snacks on Chinese takeout and dances slowly around a motel room, to a languid old tune on the radio.

The New Yorker

The therapist's couch – which ought to be our parliament – seldom works to resolve serious arguments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be resolved", ensure the context clearly indicates what requires resolution. Be specific about the issue needing a solution.

Common error

While "ought to be resolved" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of saying "The issue ought to be resolved by the committee", try "The committee ought to resolve the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be resolved" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a sense of obligation, advisability, or necessity for something to be solved or concluded. It's a way of indicating that a certain issue or problem requires attention and a solution. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to be resolved" is a grammatically correct and usable modal verb phrase that conveys a sense of obligation or advisability for addressing a problem or issue. Ludwig AI data suggests it appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While it's less common than alternatives like "should be resolved", it effectively highlights the necessity for a resolution. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what needs resolving and be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice. Consider synonyms to add variety and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be resolved

Replaces "ought to" with the more common and less formal "should".

needs to be resolved

Emphasizes the necessity of resolution.

must be resolved

Indicates a stronger imperative for resolution.

has to be resolved

Similar to "must be resolved" but slightly less formal.

should be settled

Uses "settled" as a synonym for "resolved", implying a conclusive agreement.

needs addressing

Focuses on the need for attention and action.

requires resolution

Emphasizes that the situation demands a resolution.

warrants a solution

Highlights that a solution is justified or deserved.

is due for resolution

Indicates that the time for resolution is approaching or overdue.

begs for resolution

Suggests that the situation urgently requires a solution.

FAQs

What does "ought to be resolved" mean?

The phrase "ought to be resolved" expresses that something should or needs to be solved or decided. It conveys a sense of obligation or advisability.

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

You can use alternatives like "should be resolved", "needs to be resolved", or "must be resolved" depending on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

Is "ought to be resolved" formal or informal?

"Ought to be resolved" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "should be resolved" but less forceful than "must be resolved".

How do I use "ought to be resolved" in a sentence?

Use "ought to be resolved" when you want to express that a problem or issue requires a solution. For example: "The discrepancies in the accounts ought to be resolved immediately".