ought to remain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ought to remain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a recommendation or expectation regarding something that should continue to exist or stay in a particular state. Example: "In this discussion, we ought to remain focused on the main objectives to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet the truth ought to remain central.

The New Yorker

And he ought to remain safe.

The Guardian - Music

And perhaps it ought to remain that way.

The New Yorker

"This particular database ought to remain a public record.

The New York Times

So your credence in the coin's landing Heads ought to remain 1/2.

Princeton University

Government is – and very much ought to remain – a fundamentally different enterprise.

The Guardian - Opinion

E-mail between private individuals, she added, ought to remain free.

The New York Times

Elections have always been, and ought to remain, contests among individual candidates and their ideas.

The New Yorker

Yet Hamlet has already shown a perverse delight in linking words and phrases that ought to remain opposed.

Princeton University

Still other activists have dug in their heels, insisting that Arizona ought to remain off limits for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

Any advice given that relates to tax laws, therefore, ought to remain immune from disclosure to the Inland Revenue.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ought to remain", ensure the context clearly indicates why something should continue to exist or stay in its current state. This adds clarity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "ought to remain" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more casual alternatives like "should stay" or "needs to stay" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ought to remain" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation or expectation. Ludwig's examples show it's often used when discussing what should continue or be preserved, like a tradition or a certain state of affairs. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ought to remain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within news, academic, and scientific contexts. As verified by Ludwig, it serves to recommend or express an expectation for something to continue or be preserved. Although versatile, it leans toward formality and is best employed when a tone of reasoned advisability is desired. Consider alternative phrases like "should stay" or "must remain" to fine-tune your intended meaning and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should continue to be

Emphasizes continuation rather than just remaining.

should stay

A more direct and less formal alternative.

must remain

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation or necessity.

needs to stay

Focuses on the necessity of remaining in a certain state.

should be kept

Highlights the action of preserving something.

has to stay

A less formal way of expressing obligation.

is required to stay

Emphasizes a formal requirement.

is expected to remain

Focuses on expectation rather than obligation.

is advised to keep

Suggests a recommendation.

should be maintained

Focuses on the act of maintaining a state.

FAQs

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

You can use "ought to remain" to express a recommendation or expectation. For example, "This tradition "ought to remain" a part of our culture".

What phrases are similar to "ought to remain"?

Similar phrases include "should stay", "must remain", or "should continue to be". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "ought to remain" formal or informal?

"Ought to remain" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, phrases like "should stay" are often more appropriate.

How does "ought to remain" differ from "should remain"?

"Ought to remain" and "should remain" are similar, but "ought to" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or expectation compared to "should".