ought to be set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a recommendation or obligation regarding something that should be established or arranged. Example: "The rules for the competition ought to be set before the participants arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But, she said, "If there's DNA evidence to indicate this guy's innocent, he ought to be set free".

The New York Times

This ought to be set against the astonishing figure of almost 100 million sharks killed per year, presumably in unprovoked attacks, many just for their fins.

The Guardian

In China, tables ought to be set far apart to show deference to each side.

BBC

In the "German Politics" (Vernünfftige Gedancken von dem gesellschaftlichen Leben der Menschen und insonderheit dem gemeinen Wesen), he proceeds to investigate the varieties of human societies and to specify how they ought to be set up so as to "promote the uninhibited progression to the common best" (§3, 3).

SEP

The price of a ticket ought to be set by government in an effort to disincentivize misbehavior on the roads.

Los Angeles Times

The querelle between palliativists and the right-to-die movement is actually on the limits that ought to be set on the personal autonomy, notwithstanding the common cultural roots of both parties -i.e. "the right of individuals to make their own choices about how they should live and die" [ 9].

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"He ought to be setting a broader vision".

The New York Times

By contrast, Sacramento, which ought to be setting an example, remains largely unmetered.

The Economist

When Fanny tells Edmund, "I think it ought not to be set down as certain, that a man must be acceptable to every woman he may happen to like himself," she makes the most proto-feminist statement in the novel.

Huffington Post

According to Zechariah, writing in about 300 B.C. from the conservative priestly point of view, a man could be, or ought to be, put to death for setting himself up as a prophet.

The New Yorker

One of the first acts of an incoming Labour government ought to be the setting up of a royal commission to investigate the fitness for purpose of Messrs Ernst & Young, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the others.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be set", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be established or arranged. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be set" without specifying what requires setting. Vague statements can confuse readers and diminish the impact of your recommendation. Always be explicit about the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be set" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase expressing recommendation or obligation. It indicates that a particular action or state should be established or arranged. Ludwig's examples showcase this in various contexts, from rules to equipment configuration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to be set" is a modal verb phrase used to express a recommendation, obligation, or necessity for something to be arranged or established. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's less common than alternatives like "should be set". Usage spans across news, science, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. To ensure clarity, always specify what needs setting. Remember, the goal is to guide readers toward a particular course of action deemed necessary or appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be established

Replaces "ought to" with "should", conveying a slightly weaker sense of obligation.

needs to be arranged

Substitutes "ought to" with "needs to", emphasizing the requirement for arrangement.

must be determined

Replaces "ought to" with "must", indicating a stronger necessity for determination.

should be configured

Similar to "ought to be set", but focuses on configuration.

has to be defined

Replaces "ought to" with "has to", suggesting a mandatory definition.

is required to be fixed

Emphasizes the necessity and action of fixing something.

is supposed to be adjusted

Conveys an expectation of adjustment, similar to a recommendation.

is expected to be organized

Suggests that organization is anticipated or planned.

is advised to be scheduled

Indicates that scheduling is a recommended action.

is recommended to be initiated

Recommends the beginning or start of something.

FAQs

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

Use "ought to be set" to express that something should or needs to be established, arranged, or configured. For example, "The agenda ought to be set before the meeting starts."

What are some alternatives to "ought to be set"?

Alternatives include "should be established", "needs to be arranged", or "must be determined", depending on the level of necessity you want to convey.

Is it better to use "should be set" or "ought to be set"?

"Should be set" is generally more common and less formal. "Ought to be set" carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation or moral imperative, but it's less frequently used in contemporary English.

What does "ought to be set" imply about the action being described?

The phrase "ought to be set" implies that there is a correct or appropriate way for something to be arranged or established, and that following this arrangement is important or necessary.