ought to involve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to involve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations or recommendations regarding what should be included in a process or activity. Example: "The project ought to involve collaboration between different departments to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The aim – to set goals for all mankind and the planet – ought to involve all the great questions of the age.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, as Ball [36] points out, mathematics instruction ought to involve a lot more than the transmission of facts and procedures.

EPJ Data Science

Properly done, expository writing, such as a grant application, ought to involve an exercise in creative thinking--not in creative writing!

Science Magazine

Legal strategies ought to involve more than simply a clinical evaluation of the law.

Huffington Post

This ought to involve conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats, Northerners and Southerners, Christians and non-Christians, rural and urban dwellers alike.

Huffington Post

Any comprehensive evaluation of health care ought to involve assessment of not only outcome but also health needs [ 17].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Several passages in the Laws suggest that the sort of virtue that Plato thinks the citizens of Magnesia ought to exhibit involves an impartialist sort of regard for the good of the cosmos as a whole rather than a special regard for one's own good.

SEP

"You ought to be involved.

The New York Times

"States, I think, are responding to a public consciousness that this is not something we ought to be involved in.

The New York Times

The IMF ought to be involved in the poorest countries, but it should concentrate on macroeconomics and on fostering the right conditions for private capital markets.

The Economist

"It sure stinks to high heaven, and it doesn't appear to me they ought to be involved in investigating," Gohmert said, as, at last, his time expired.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to involve", ensure the context clearly indicates a recommendation or expectation rather than a strict requirement. Consider alternatives like "should include" for softer suggestions.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to involve" in casual conversations or informal writing where it might sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for "should include" or "needs to have" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to involve" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation, obligation, or expectation regarding the inclusion of something. It suggests that a particular action or element is advisable or necessary for a desired outcome, like in the example "mathematics instruction ought to involve a lot more than the transmission of facts and procedures." according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to involve" is a modal verb phrase used to express a recommendation or expectation that something should include specific elements. It is grammatically correct and used across a range of authoritative sources, as verified by Ludwig. However, it is less common than alternatives like "should include" and is more suited to formal and scientific contexts. Remember to use it when you want to suggest a course of action or elements for consideration but avoid overusing it in casual conversation to maintain a natural and appropriate tone. While functional and correct, this phrase is not particularly common and thus may feel stilted in some contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis of the provided data demonstrates both its validity and suggests alternative options depending on the register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should include

Replaces "ought to" with the more common and less formal modal verb "should", maintaining a similar sense of recommendation.

must incorporate

Emphasizes the necessity of including something, making it stronger than a simple recommendation.

needs to encompass

Highlights the requirement for a comprehensive inclusion of elements.

is required to integrate

Focuses on a formal requirement for integration, suitable for official contexts.

is expected to contain

Shifts the focus to expectation, implying a standard or customary inclusion.

would ideally comprise

Introduces a sense of ideal composition, suggesting a preferred inclusion.

should ideally consider

Indicates a recommendation to think over something instead of literally include.

it is advisable to add

Recommends incorporating something, emphasizing the wisdom of doing so.

it is important to integrate

Highlights the significance of including certain elements or considerations.

entails the inclusion of

Formally specifies that something necessarily involves the presence of certain elements.

FAQs

What does "ought to involve" mean?

The phrase "ought to involve" suggests that something should ideally include or encompass certain elements or actions. It implies a recommendation or expectation based on a principle or desired outcome.

What's a more common alternative to "ought to involve"?

A more common alternative is "should include", which carries a similar meaning but sounds less formal. Other options include "needs to have" or "should ideally consider", depending on the context.

Is "ought to involve" formal or informal?

"Ought to involve" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "should include". It's more appropriate for academic, professional, or journalistic writing.

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

You can use "ought to involve" to express a recommendation or expectation. For example, "A successful strategy ought to involve careful planning and execution" or "The investigation ought to involve interviews with all relevant witnesses."