Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
ought to require
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "ought to require" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations or obligations regarding what should be required in a certain context. Example: "The new regulations ought to require all employees to complete safety training before starting work."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
20 human-written examples
Evangelicalism ought to require a faithfulness to the Evangel, the Gospel, the message of Christ.
News & Media
He thinks gathering information about how someone behaves on social sites ought to require the same clearance needed to monitor them doggedly in public places.
News & Media
The right-wing bias of Fox News, whose laughable motto is "Fair and Balanced," is not something that ought to require a documentary to uncover.
News & Media
Sarries' next assignment, at Leicester on New Year's Day, ought to require more precision and energy than they mustered against the Falcons.
News & Media
The legislation ought to require electronic reporting of all payments to individual doctors for posting in a registry that could be easily searched from home computers.
News & Media
The auction houses sought to convince the government that only works that are older than 100 years ought to require government approval to be exported.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
40 human-written examples
Women do not need and ought not to require to be kept by men (and vice versa) after their relationship has come to an end.
News & Media
Living in Britain ought not to require a blind willingness to sign up to everything - we should be free to criticise - but there is a difference between an honest disagreement and an utter disdain for everything that this country is said to represent.
News & Media
Consequently, a satisfactory analysis of omnipotence ought not to require that an omnipotent agent have the power to bring about (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f), if it is assumed, arguendo, in the case of (f), that libertarianism is true.
Science
An occupier can also be liable for an interference that is naturally arising, assuming they are aware of the interference's existence and fail to take reasonable precautions, as in Leakey v National Trust, which established that in such situations "the standard ought to be to require of the occupier what is reasonable to expect of him in his individual circumstances".
Wiki
I think if we want to enforce our laws, people ought to be required to check to see whether or not names and numbers match.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "ought to require", ensure that the context clearly establishes who is imposing the requirement and upon whom it is being imposed.
Common error
While grammatically correct, "ought to require" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Opt for alternatives like "should need" or "needs to" in informal conversations.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "ought to require" functions as a modal verb construction expressing obligation or necessity. It indicates that a certain action or condition is expected or logically follows from a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing its use in legal, ethical, and practical contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "ought to require" is a modal verb construction used to express a recommendation or expectation that something is necessary or should be done. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal communication. Alternatives like "should necessitate" or "must demand" can be used for varying degrees of emphasis. When employing "ought to require", ensure the context is appropriate and clearly defines the agent imposing the requirement.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
should necessitate
Replaces "ought to" with "should", implying a slightly weaker obligation.
must demand
Uses "must" to convey a stronger sense of obligation than "ought to".
needs to mandate
Emphasizes the need for a specific requirement, adding a sense of urgency.
is expected to entail
Focuses on the expected consequence or result of something.
is bound to call for
Suggests inevitability and the necessary conditions that follow.
is slated to necessitate
Implies a planned or scheduled requirement, adding a formal tone.
is deemed to necessitate
Highlights that a requirement is official and decided by an authority.
is set to make necessary
Focuses on future events and their capability to demand something.
is designed to enforce
Specifies the goal and impact of specific requirements.
should make it a must
This alternative phrase makes the idea of obligation more clear.
FAQs
How can I use "ought to require" in a sentence?
Use "ought to require" to express that something is expected or logically necessary. For example, "The new safety regulations ought to require all employees to wear protective gear".
What are some alternatives to "ought to require"?
You can use alternatives like "should necessitate", "must demand", or "needs to mandate" depending on the context.
Which is more emphatic, "ought to require" or "must require"?
"Must require" is more emphatic than "ought to require". "Ought to require" suggests a moral or logical obligation, while "must require" indicates a stronger, often legally binding, obligation.
Is "ought to require" suitable for formal writing?
Yes, "ought to require" is suitable for formal writing, especially when expressing recommendations or expectations based on logical or moral grounds. However, consider stronger alternatives like "must require" or "is deemed to necessitate" for emphasis.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested