ought to be split

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be split" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the division or separation of something, such as a text, a group, or a task. Example: "The document is too lengthy; it ought to be split into two sections for clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When we spoke about leadership, we discussed whether one person was capable of being at the head of the city-state that is the BBC – both as editor of that deluge of content, and its chief executive – or whether the role ought to be split.

The Guardian

For example, the plural suffix in English creates the alternation between cat-cats; therefore, [ts] ought to be split into two sounds.

Lingua Sinica

Similarly, in Beijing Chinese, the "diminutive" suffix creates 袋-袋儿 [tai]-[taɚ] 'bag' and so [ai] ought to be split to [a+i].

Lingua Sinica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While agreement is widespread that creating babies through cloning should be banned, lawmakers and the public are split about whether scientists ought to be allowed to clone embryos for research that might lead to treatments and cures of diseases.

The New York Times

Americans are evenly split on whether taxes ought to be raised back to pre-Bush levels.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

"There ought to be consequences".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to be split", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being divided and why. Providing a rationale will strengthen the statement and make it more persuasive.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ought to be" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using "should be" or "needs to be" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be split" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing advice or recommendation regarding the division of something. Ludwig examples, like those from The Guardian, show it suggesting actions or decisions about organizational structures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to be split" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to recommend or suggest division. According to Ludwig, it's relatively rare but appears in both news media and scientific contexts. While the phrase is appropriate in formal and neutral registers, "should be divided" might be a more common substitute in casual settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides context for understanding its proper application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be divided

Replaces "ought to" with the more common modal verb "should", indicating a recommendation.

needs to be separated

Emphasizes the necessity of separation, rather than a suggestion.

should be separated

Similar to "should be divided", but uses "separated" which can imply physical division.

it is advisable to divide

Rephrases the modal verb construction into a more formal and explicit recommendation.

it is recommended to split

More formal, replacing "ought to be" with "it is recommended", and using "split".

it would be better to divide

Suggests that division is the optimal course of action.

it is necessary to separate

Highlights the necessity of separation, which can be stronger than "ought to be".

would be better to split

Emphasizes the advantageous nature of splitting, rather than just suggesting it.

it's preferable to divide

Indicates that division is the more desirable option.

it is advisable to split

Suggests that splitting is a sensible and practical course of action.

FAQs

What does "ought to be split" mean?

The phrase "ought to be split" indicates that something should or needs to be divided or separated. It suggests a recommendation or a perceived necessity for division.

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

It is appropriate to use "ought to be split" when you want to suggest that something should be divided, especially in situations where a formal or thoughtful recommendation is suitable. You can use alternatives like "should be divided" or "needs to be separated" in less formal situations.

Is "ought to be split" the same as "should be split"?

While similar, "ought to be split" carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation or advisability compared to "should be split". "Ought to" implies a moral or logical imperative, whereas "should" is a more general recommendation.

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

Alternatives include "should be divided", "needs to be separated", or "it is advisable to divide", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.