ought to develop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to develop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a recommendation or obligation regarding the need for development or improvement in a certain area. Example: "In order to stay competitive in the market, the company ought to develop new strategies for customer engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I think we ought to develop the Anwar reserves in Alaska," he said.

The New York Times

Our educational system ought to develop healthy citizens, not unhealthy consumers.

The New York Times

But that's probably an art that every analyst ought to develop".

The New York Times

Instead of avoiding controversy, schools ought to develop curriculums for teaching about beliefs, without endorsing them, rather than ignoring religious discussion.

The New York Times

In one oft-told story, Louise Kitchin, a twenty-nine-year-old gas trader in Europe, became convinced that the company ought to develop an online-trading business.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, the societies ought to develop top 10, 20 or 50 lists if there is enough evidence to make that possible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

They ought also to develop less polluting sources of energy.

The Guardian

Ought we to develop military robotics and human enhancement technologies at all?

Stanford University

In theory, the principle is hard to condemn: it essentially says that we ought not to develop and use a technology unless it is considered safe.

The New Yorker

The educational goal ought to be to develop a base of knowledge across relevant fields that is crafted specifically for what leading journalists need to know: for example, a functional knowledge of statistics, the basic concepts of economics, and an appreciation for the importance of history and for the fundamental debates in modern political theory and philosophy.

Columbia University

On the other hand, there is no doubt that the aim ought to be to develop the most effective programs in order to improve the quality of life of patients and their caregivers.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to develop", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs improvement or advancement. This phrase suggests a moral or practical necessity for growth or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to develop" when a stronger obligation is intended. While it implies a recommendation, "must develop" or "need to develop" convey a more forceful requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to develop" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advice, recommendation, or obligation. It suggests that a particular entity or subject has a responsibility or a strong reason to cultivate or enhance something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ought to develop" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a recommendation or obligation for improvement or growth. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While it carries a slightly stronger sense of duty than "should develop", it's essential to consider context when choosing the most appropriate alternative. Understanding the nuance of "ought to develop" and its common applications can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should cultivate

Replaces "develop" with a more refined and intentional term, implying careful nurturing and growth.

need to foster

Emphasizes the necessity of nurturing and promoting something's growth, slightly stronger than "ought to develop".

must cultivate

Indicates a stronger obligation than "ought to develop", suggesting a non-negotiable requirement to nurture.

should generate

Focuses on creating or producing something, differing from the developmental aspect of "ought to develop".

must generate

Indicates a strong requirement to produce or create something.

need to generate

Indicates necessity to produce or create something.

should nurture

Focuses on providing care and support for growth, adding a softer tone compared to "develop".

need to construct

Highlights the necessity of building or creating something systematically.

should build

Implies a gradual process of construction and improvement, similar to "develop" but more concrete.

must build

Strongly emphasizes the necessity of building or establishing something.

FAQs

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

Use "ought to develop" to suggest a necessary or beneficial course of action for improvement. For instance, "The company "ought to develop" a new marketing strategy to reach younger audiences".

What are some alternatives to "ought to develop"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "should cultivate", "need to foster", or "must cultivate".

Is there a difference between "ought to develop" and "should develop"?

While both express a recommendation, "ought to develop" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or duty compared to the more general advice implied by "should develop".

In what contexts is "ought to develop" most appropriate?

"Ought to develop" is well-suited for scenarios where there's a recognized need for improvement or progress, often driven by ethical or practical considerations, in areas like education, technology, or personal skills.