ought to be revised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be revised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something needs to be changed or improved, often in the context of written work or plans. Example: "The report is well-written, but it ought to be revised to include more recent data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In this case, its growth forecast for future years ought to be revised down, and any additional strength in revenues this year compared to what was previously forecast might not persist indefinitely.

The Guardian

Ray Shero, the Pittsburgh general manager, said he was one of several who thought that one aspect of the current charging rule, taking three steps before hitting a player, ought to be revised with greater player safety in mind.

The New York Times - Sports

The study suggests that the protocol for providing parents with sufficient information prior to DGA treatment ought to be revised.

BMC Oral Health

Article 6 ought to be revised so that it becomes clear that 6.2 (establishing the lawfulness of processing of personal data for the purposes of historical, statistical or scientific research) overrules 6.1.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Finally, multilane freeway traffic simulation can be achieved though the rules of vehicle state update in this study ought to be slightly revised.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Also, in describing Roe as "settled law," she acknowledged that a nominee could say that Roe was "settled law" without promising never to consider arguments that it ought to be overruled or revised.

Los Angeles Times

It ought to be.

Independent

"You ought to be.

The New Yorker

They ought to be.

The New York Times - Food

ought to be paid.

The New Yorker

Lufkin ought to be different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to be revised" when suggesting a necessary change or improvement, especially in formal contexts like academic papers or policy documents. It implies a reasoned judgment that a revision is advisable rather than mandatory.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be revised" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "needs to be changed" or "should be updated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be revised" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a suggestion or recommendation that something should be changed or improved. It indicates a reasoned judgment rather than a strict requirement. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be revised" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to suggest that something should be changed or improved. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it is most appropriate in formal settings such as academic papers, policy documents, or professional reports. It's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for less formal alternatives like "needs to be updated" in casual conversations. The phrase serves to recommend a change based on reasoned judgment rather than mandating it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be amended

Suggests a formal correction or improvement, often in legal or official documents. More specific than a general revision.

needs to be updated

Implies bringing something current with the latest information or standards. Less formal than "ought to be revised".

requires modification

Emphasizes the necessity of change, often due to specific requirements. Slightly more formal.

could be improved

Suggests a potential for enhancement without necessarily implying a flaw or error. Less forceful.

warrants a review

Indicates that something should be examined again, possibly leading to changes. Emphasizes the evaluation process.

is due for an overhaul

Implies a significant and comprehensive renovation or restructuring. More drastic than a simple revision.

must be rectified

Highlights an error or problem that needs to be corrected. Stronger and more urgent.

should be re-evaluated

Similar to "warrants a review" but focuses on reassessing the value or importance of something.

demands reconsideration

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of rethinking something, often due to significant issues.

calls for adjustment

Suggests minor alterations to achieve a better fit or result. Less substantial than a full revision.

FAQs

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

Use "ought to be revised" in formal contexts when you want to suggest that something needs improvement or correction based on reasoned judgment. It is often used in academic, professional, or official settings.

What are some less formal alternatives to "ought to be revised"?

If you want to express a similar idea in a less formal way, you can use phrases like "needs to be updated", "should be changed", or "could be improved".

How does "ought to be revised" differ from "must be revised"?

"Ought to be revised" suggests a recommendation or advisability, implying that a revision is a good idea. "Must be revised", on the other hand, indicates a necessity or obligation, meaning that a revision is required. The latter is a stronger statement.

Can "ought to be revised" be used for both minor and major changes?

Yes, "ought to be revised" can be used for both minor and major changes, although it is more commonly used when suggesting significant improvements or corrections that require careful consideration. For minor tweaks, phrases like "could be tweaked" or "needs adjustment" might be more appropriate.