ought to prepare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to prepare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a recommendation or obligation regarding the need to get ready for something. Example: "Students ought to prepare for their exams well in advance to ensure they understand the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They also underscore that people ought to prepare for death.

The New York Times

Being within sight, it has become something for which one ought to prepare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Death being in sight, she writes, "it has become something for which one ought to prepare".

The Guardian - Books

But that was a misreading of his repeated warnings about a German invasion, against which he said that Britain ought to prepare itself.

The New Yorker

In that sense, we ought to prepare for turbulence that may soon make the events of 2016 look like so much melodrama.

The Guardian - Opinion

Education ought to prepare children to be citizens in a democracy, and the demands of citizenship today require a higher level of education.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So the question the research raises is what will we all do with that freed-up time, and how ought we to prepare for such a world?

Huffington Post

But a party that claims to be willing to make hard choices ought to be prepared to spell some of them out.

The Washington Post

The goal ought to be to prepare students for success in college, in careers, and as citizens.

Yale University

If you are going to eat it, you ought to be prepared to watch it die.

The Guardian - Opinion

They ought to be prepared to pay for learning, too, he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to prepare", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. It suggests a moral obligation or strong advisability.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to prepare" in very informal conversations or casual writing. Alternatives like "should prepare" or "need to prepare" are often more suitable for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to prepare" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advice, recommendation, or obligation. It suggests that taking preparatory action is a sensible or necessary course of action, aligning with Ludwig's indication of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ought to prepare" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a recommendation or obligation to get ready for something. While Ludwig indicates that it is usable, it leans towards a neutral to formal tone and is less common than alternatives like "should prepare" or "need to prepare". It's frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, advising preparation for various situations. When considering its use, be mindful of the intended audience and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should prepare

Indicates a recommendation or expectation, similar to "ought to prepare" but generally considered more common and less formal.

need to prepare

Emphasizes the necessity of preparation, highlighting a requirement rather than just a suggestion.

have to prepare

Expresses a strong obligation or requirement to prepare, often due to external factors or rules.

must prepare

Conveys a firm necessity or imperative to prepare, indicating a high level of importance.

it is advisable to prepare

Formally suggests preparation as a wise course of action, focusing on the benefits of being ready.

it would be prudent to prepare

Highlights the wisdom and careful consideration involved in making preparations.

it's important to prepare

Stresses the significance of preparing, emphasizing its relevance to achieving a desired outcome.

get ready

A more informal way to suggest preparation, often implying a shorter timeframe or less extensive planning.

make arrangements

Focuses on the act of making specific plans or preparations for a particular event or situation.

gear up

Implies preparing with enthusiasm and energy, often for a challenging or exciting event.

FAQs

What does "ought to prepare" mean?

The phrase "ought to prepare" means that someone should get ready or make arrangements for something that is likely to happen or is necessary. It implies a sense of duty or strong recommendation.

When should I use "ought to prepare" instead of "should prepare"?

While both "ought to prepare" and "should prepare" express advisability, "ought to prepare" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or duty. In most modern contexts, "should prepare" is more common and generally preferred for its simplicity.

What are some alternatives to "ought to prepare"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "need to prepare", "have to prepare", "must prepare", or "should prepare". These phrases convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is "ought to prepare" formal or informal?

"Ought to prepare" leans towards a more formal tone. In contemporary usage, simpler alternatives like "should prepare" or "need to prepare" are often preferred, especially in informal settings.