ought to include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to include" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something should be part of a list or a set of requirements. Example: "The report ought to include a summary of the findings and recommendations for future research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's what an international climate pact ought to include.

The Economist

These, Mr Sener noted, ought to include dealing with Turkey's prisons.

The Economist

"If you want the proper historical record, you ought to include it," Mr. Grob said.

The New York Times

Such notes beg the question of whether a book ought to include its own explanation.

The New York Times - Books

The journey to Sagamore Hill ought to include time to explore the charm of Oyster Bay.

The New York Times

Surely, the mission of the nation's greatest newspaper ought to include a deep concern about those 50 million.

The New York Times

(A genuinely Paleolithic diet, Durant concedes, probably ought to include human flesh; however, he does not advise this).

The New Yorker

"If a depreciation is in the package, it ought to include an offsetting relief to the states".

The New York Times

I can see nothing unreasonable in the conclusion that such records ought to include any available DNA profiles.

The Guardian

Any solution to this crisis ought to include all measures that keep homeowners in their houses, but as owners of the property, not as someone's tenant.

The New York Times

He was curly-haired and handsome in the pugilistic way that looks as though it ought to include a broken tooth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to include", ensure the context clearly indicates a recommendation or expectation, not a strict command. Consider whether "should include" might be more appropriate for softer suggestions.

Common error

While "ought to include" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "should encompass" or "must contain" to maintain reader engagement and writing quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to include" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a recommendation, expectation, or obligation for something to be part of a larger whole. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts ranging from international climate pacts to book explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

37%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to include" is a versatile phrase that suggests a recommendation or expectation for inclusion. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards formal. For varied writing, consider alternatives such as "should encompass" or "must contain". Remember, while the phrase is appropriate, excessive use can be avoided by incorporating synonyms. The key is to ensure clear communication and appropriate context when advising, suggesting, or prescribing necessary components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should encompass

Replaces "ought to" with "should", implying a recommendation rather than a strict obligation, and uses "encompass" for a broader sense of inclusion.

must contain

Emphasizes the necessity of inclusion, using "must" to indicate a requirement.

needs to feature

Shifts the focus to highlighting specific elements, using "feature" instead of a general inclusion.

is required to have

Highlights the mandatory aspect of including something, framing it as a requirement.

would benefit from

Suggests that something's inclusion would be advantageous, using a conditional tone.

ideally incorporate

Indicates that the inclusion is preferred or optimal, but not strictly necessary.

is advisable to integrate

Presents inclusion as a recommended action, using more formal language.

should be comprised of

Focuses on the composition of something, indicating that it should consist of certain elements.

it would be wise to add

Suggests inclusion as a prudent decision, highlighting the wisdom of adding something.

it is recommended to consider

Presents inclusion as a matter of consideration and a suggested action, with a high degree of formality.

FAQs

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

"Ought to include" suggests that something should be part of a list or set of requirements. For example, "The report ought to include a summary of findings".

What's a more formal alternative to "ought to include"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "must include" or "is required to include" to convey a stronger sense of necessity.

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

"Ought to include" and "should include" are often interchangeable. However, "ought to" implies a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or duty compared to the more general recommendation of "should".

What are some ways to rephrase "ought to include" to add variety to my writing?

To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "needs to feature", "would benefit from", or "is advisable to integrate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.