ought to check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone should verify or examine something. Example: "You ought to check your work for any errors before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"These things that you're sure of," he added, "you really ought to check out and test".

The New York Times

That's pretty tasteless, but Sam Smith ought to check his life insurance just in case.

The Guardian - Arts

"He said, 'You really ought to check out Enron and Dynegy and see where their earnings come from,' " Weil recalled.

The New Yorker

Meet the principal, Gladys Camp, and you understand why Thomson parents think the Obamas ought to check it out.

The Washington Post

These numbers ought to check out reasonably well with less complicated, back-of-the-envelope methods of estimating Mr. Romney's losing chances.

The New York Times

He said you ought to check out number such and such on eBay, I think these are the levers you need".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

And she ought to stop name-checking John Quincy Adams and start agitating for the eternal glory of John Jay.

The Economist

If you haven't been to the Freeman Center for Jewish Life yet, we think you ought to come check us out: grab dinner in our Kosher dining hall, watch a movie on the big screen TV, have a study group in the library or join us for Shabbat.

Duke University

Though, yeah, someone ought to double-check that.

The Washington Post

Likewise, before letting rip in Holland, Hands ought to have checked on the publication date of the luxury magazine, and the state of play of the care homes.

Independent

The system ought to break.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to check", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs to be verified or examined. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "ought to check" is grammatically correct, overuse in informal settings can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more casual alternatives like "should check" or "better check" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to check" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advisability or obligation. It indicates that someone should verify or examine something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ought to check" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that suggests the advisability or necessity of verifying or examining something. Ludwig AI confirms it's well-regarded usage. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "should check", it's versatile enough for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific and academic writing. When using "ought to check", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs verification. Consider more informal alternatives like "should verify" in everyday conversations. With a high expert rating and frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times, mastering "ought to check" will add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should verify

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

better double-check

Implies re-checking, adding emphasis on avoiding mistakes.

need to confirm

Emphasizes the necessity of confirming information.

must validate

Suggests a more formal and rigorous validation process.

have to inspect

Implies a detailed inspection is required.

are advised to examine

Offers a more formal recommendation to examine something.

it is recommended to verify

Presents the action as a recommendation rather than a personal obligation.

it would be prudent to investigate

Suggests a cautious and wise approach to investigating something.

it's advisable to look into

Recommends looking into something, implying a potential issue.

it's worth reviewing

Highlights the value of reviewing something.

FAQs

How can I use "ought to check" in a sentence?

You can use "ought to check" to suggest that someone should verify or examine something. For example, "You "ought to check" the terms and conditions before agreeing".

What can I say instead of "ought to check"?

You can use alternatives like "should verify", "need to confirm", or "must validate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ought to check" or "should check"?

Both "ought to check" and "should check" are grammatically correct. "Should check" is more common and less formal, while "ought to check" carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation or advisability.

Is "ought to check" formal?

The phrase "ought to check" leans towards the formal side, particularly when compared to alternatives like "should check". Its formality, however, is moderate and generally suitable across a range of professional and academic contexts.