ought to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to do" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a recommendation or obligation. Example: "You ought to do your homework before going out." Alternative expressions include "should" and "must."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That ought to do the trick.

The Economist

One more ought to do it.

The New Yorker

That's what we ought to do.

The New York Times

"And we ought to do it again".

The New York Times

We ought to do it.

The New York Times

Common sense ought to do.

The New York Times

So here's what we ought to do.

The New York Times

That's what governors ought to do.

The New York Times

The airlines ought to do better.

The New York Times - Travel

Yeah, that ought to do it.

The New York Times

After all he ought to do something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase in persuasive writing to suggest a logical conclusion or the 'right' course of action based on the evidence presented.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to do" with other modal verbs like 'must' or 'should' (e.g., 'must ought to do'). Additionally, ensure you do not skip the 'to' in positive sentences; saying 'you ought do it' is generally considered incorrect in modern standard American and British English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to do" functions as a modal verb construction. It combines the semi-modal 'ought' with the infinitive 'to do' to express obligation, duty, or logical necessity. In the data provided by Ludwig, it often serves as a predicate to define the 'correct' or 'ethical' path in complex situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science & Philosophy

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ought to do" remains a cornerstone of high-level English prose, used to navigate the space between a simple suggestion and a strict command. Ludwig AI analysis shows a heavy concentration in elite media and academic circles, highlighting its role in expressing moral imperatives and logical expectations. Unlike its more common sibling "should do", using "ought to do" adds a layer of formal gravity and traditional authority to your writing. Whether you are concluding that a solution ""ought to do" the trick" or arguing for what a government ""ought to do"" ethically, this construction provides a nuanced tool for effective persuasion and clear instruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should do

more common in everyday speech and slightly less formal than the modal 'ought'

have to do

implies external necessity or requirements rather than internal moral duty

must do

expresses a much stronger, non-negotiable obligation compared to recommendation

is obliged to do

denotes a formal or legal requirement rather than a moral suggestion

need to do

shifts the focus toward necessity or requirement for a specific goal

are supposed to do

suggests an expectation or rule that might not always be followed

ought to carry out

emphasizes the completion or execution of a plan or order

ought to perform

uses a more formal verb often associated with specific tasks or duties

ought to undertake

implies starting a significant project or a formal responsibility

shall do

extremely formal or legalistic, often used in contracts or commands

FAQs

How do I use "ought to do" in a sentence?

You can use it to suggest a proper action, such as "The government "ought to do" more to protect the environment" or to express probability like "That "ought to do it"" when finishing a task.

What is the difference between "ought to do" and "should do"?

While often interchangeable, "ought to do" carries a slightly heavier tone of moral duty or social expectation, whereas "should do" is the standard, more common way to give advice.

Is "ought to do" considered formal?

Yes, it is considered more formal than 'should'. It is frequently found in legal, philosophical, and journalistic contexts like those in The New York Times or academic journals.

What can I say instead of "ought to do" for a stronger command?

If you want to express a mandatory requirement rather than a suggestion, use "must do" or "is required to do".