ought to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and in written English.
You can use it to provide advice. For example: "You ought to consider all of your options before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a tack the men probably ought to consider.

The New York Times - Books

Future planned communities ought to consider political governance more carefully.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But chiefs ought to consider the recruits a bargain.

The New York Times

Congressional Republicans ought to consider larger national interests.

The Washington Post

So we ought to consider this very seriously.

The New York Times

They told Mr. Weiss he ought to consider it.

The New York Times

Emerging-market countries ought to consider targeting nominal GDP.

The Guardian - Business

I went to the branch manager and told him he ought to consider new technology.

The New York Times

Somebody ought to consider rotating those resources in a country that's broke.

The New York Times

The Fed ought to consider raising rates, not lowering them, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Well, she ought to consider it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ought to consider" when you want to express a recommendation or suggestion, particularly when implying a moral or practical obligation. It's slightly more formal than "should consider" but less forceful than "must consider".

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "ought to consider" in very informal settings can sound stilted or overly formal. In casual conversations, consider using "should think about" or "might want to consider" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to consider" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express advice, recommendation, or a sense of moral obligation. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often precedes an action or decision that someone should thoughtfully contemplate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to consider" is a modal verb phrase used to express advice, recommendations, or a sense of moral obligation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While slightly more formal than "should consider", it is appropriate for professional and considered communication. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider less formal alternatives like "should think about" in casual settings. Remember to assess the potential impact or factors before making a final decision. The phrase is appropriate to use in various contexts and has good alternatives like should think about.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should think about

This alternative is less formal and replaces "ought to" with the more common "should", making it suitable for general contexts.

should give thought to

This alternative emphasizes the act of thinking and consideration, adding a layer of depth to the recommendation.

would be wise to consider

This phrase adds a tone of wisdom and prudence to the suggestion, implying a beneficial outcome from considering the option.

it would be advisable to consider

This alternative increases the formality and emphasizes the advisability of the action.

it is recommended to consider

This version presents the consideration as a recommendation, suitable for formal or professional settings.

it's worth considering

This phrase suggests that the topic is valuable enough to warrant consideration, highlighting its potential benefits.

one might consider

This alternative offers a more tentative and less direct suggestion, suitable for sensitive situations.

have to take into account

This alternative changes the focus to an obligation to include in one's calculations, which is more compelling than just think about something.

need to factor in

This alternative focuses on including something as a significant element, suggesting a greater level of importance.

you'd do well to consider

This implies that the person will benefit if they consider it. It focuses on the advantage one can get.

FAQs

How does "ought to consider" differ from "should consider"?

Both phrases express a recommendation, but "ought to consider" implies a stronger sense of duty or obligation than "should consider". "Ought to" is also generally more formal.

What are some alternatives to "ought to consider" in a formal context?

In formal situations, you can use phrases like "it would be advisable to consider", "it is recommended to consider", or "should give thought to" to convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of emphasis.

Is "ought to consider" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ought to consider" might sound overly formal in casual writing. Consider using less formal alternatives like "should think about" or "it's worth considering" for a more relaxed tone.

When should I use "ought to consider" over "need to consider"?

"Ought to consider" suggests a recommendation or advisability, while "need to consider" implies a necessity or requirement. Choose "ought to" when you're offering advice and "need to" when something is essential.