ought to be updated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to be updated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something needs to be revised or brought up to date. Example: "The software version is outdated and ought to be updated to improve performance and security."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those formal epistemologists who seek to elucidate and apply distinctively epistemic norms that is, norms about what ought (epistemically) to be believed, how beliefs ought (epistemically) to be updated, or how we ought (epistemically) to reason might worry that explication is unhelpful given their objective.

Erkenntnis

But a "patchwork of regulatory requirements" currently in place ought to be reviewed, updated and possibly strengthened to address "low likelihood, high consequence" events like the Fukushima calamity, it says.

Science Magazine

/ This map is outdated, and you really ought to be purchasing the updates, because big federal money is being spent on the roads.

The New Yorker

John Stanton, the chief executive of the Communications Alliance, said most telcos were still trying to determine how the legislation ought to be interpreted, how to update their systems, and how much of the cost of those upgrades would be covered by the $131m promised by the federal government to assist service providers.

The Guardian

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

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

Use "ought to be updated" when you want to suggest that something should be revised or made current, especially when implying a moral or logical obligation to do so. Ensure the context clearly indicates what needs updating and why.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to be updated" in very casual or informal settings where it might sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more conversational alternatives like "needs to be updated" or "should be updated" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to be updated" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advisability or obligation concerning the need for something to be made current or revised. Since Ludwig provides no examples, this highlights the importance of context in understanding its precise usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to be updated" is a grammatically correct construction used to express advisability or obligation regarding the need for revision or modernization. It indicates a suggestion that something needs to be made current and often implies a moral or logical imperative. However, Ludwig has no examples, and, while generally formal, the level of formality should be considered in relation to the specific context in which it is used. Alternatives like "should be updated" or "needs to be updated" may be more appropriate in informal settings. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, and is a suitable alternative to more commonly used options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be updated

Replaces "ought to" with "should", indicating a recommendation rather than a strong obligation. It is a more common and less formal alternative.

needs to be updated

Uses "needs to" instead of "ought to", conveying necessity in a direct and straightforward manner.

requires an update

Shifts the focus to the action required, rather than the obligation. It's more direct and less modal.

must be updated

Replaces "ought to" with "must", indicating a strong necessity and obligation. It is a stronger and more formal alternative.

is due for an update

Emphasizes the timing of the update, suggesting it's overdue or expected soon.

is recommended to be updated

Adds a level of recommendation, softening the obligation implied by "ought to".

would benefit from an update

Highlights the positive outcome of updating, framing it as advantageous.

it's time to update

Focuses on the timing and the action to be done.

it is advisable to update

Replaces the modal verb with an adjectival phrase that conveys guidance or recommendation.

updating is necessary

Emphasizes the necessity of updating, shifting the focus to the action rather than the obligation. Uses a nominalized form.

FAQs

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

Use "ought to be updated" to suggest that something needs revision. For example, "This software version "ought to be updated" to improve security."

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

Alternatives include "should be updated", "needs to be updated", or "requires an update", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "ought to be updated" or "should be updated"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "should be updated" is more commonly used and generally less formal. "Ought to be updated" implies a stronger sense of moral or logical obligation.

What's the difference between "ought to be updated" and "must be updated"?

"Ought to be updated" suggests a moral or logical necessity, while "must be updated" indicates a stronger, non-negotiable requirement. The latter conveys a higher degree of obligation.