that ought to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that ought to function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing expectations or requirements for something to work properly or as intended. Example: "The new software update includes several improvements that ought to function seamlessly with existing systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ensuring that formal safeguarding arrangements work in the best interests of adults is a function that ought to be carried out by qualified social workers.

The Guardian

Moreover, lots of people smoke marijuana because they like it; the drug therefore has a "utility function" that ought to be factored in to any cost/benefit analysis.Mr Brooks's celebration of the "higher pleasures" (perhaps not the best choice of phrase) suggests that he is more a Millite than a Benthamite: better to be David Brooks dissatisfied than a pothead satisfied.

The Economist

Materials and artists were drawn from all the lands ruled by the great king, and thus tastes, styles, and motifs became mixed together in an eclectic art and architecture that in itself mirrored the empire and the Persians' understanding of how that empire ought to function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I think that ought to be enough.

The New Yorker

I think that ought to come out".

The New Yorker

Frankly, that ought to be enough.

The New Yorker

Another legislator, Hervé Mariton, said: "It's not like this that our society, our justice system ought to function".

The New York Times

What it really shows is that Apple has finally given some thought to how a photo-editing app ought to function on a large touchscreen device.

The Guardian - Tech

Scotland has delivered to the world a new gold standard in how modern political democracy ought to function.

The Guardian - Opinion

It ought to function by means of primus groups or semiautonomous work teams or matrix overlap groups.

Harvard Business Review

In principle, human eyes ought to function quite well as detectors in these kinds of entanglement experiments.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that ought to function" when you want to convey a sense of expectation or requirement for something to work as intended, especially in technical or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "that ought to function" in very informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that should work" if the setting is casual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that ought to function" serves as a modal verb phrase expressing an expectation or requirement for something to operate in a particular way. It indicates a belief or plan for proper operation. While Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English, the frequency is low.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that ought to function" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express an expectation or requirement of proper operation, confirmed by Ludwig AI. While technically correct, it's important to note that the phrase has a formal tone, fitting best in technical or professional contexts. Simpler alternatives, such as "that should work", are more appropriate for informal communication. Since Ludwig contains no direct examples, it's advised to use this phrase judiciously, being mindful of its register and potential alternatives to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that should operate

Replaces "ought to" with "should", indicating a slightly weaker expectation.

that is expected to work

Uses a passive construction emphasizing the expectation of functionality.

that is intended to function

Focuses on the intended purpose of the functionality.

that is designed to operate

Highlights the design aspect ensuring functionality.

that is supposed to work

Implies a general expectation of proper functioning.

that is meant to function

Emphasizes the intended purpose and expected operation.

that is required to function

Highlights the necessity of the functionality for a specific purpose.

that is guaranteed to function

Offers a stronger assurance of functionality.

that must operate

Expresses a requirement for the system or component to function properly.

that needs to operate

Indicates a need for the system or component to function to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "that ought to function" in a sentence?

You can use "that ought to function" to describe an expected behavior or performance of a system or component. For example, "The new software update includes several improvements "that ought to function" seamlessly with existing systems".

What's a less formal way to say "that ought to function"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that should work", "that is expected to work", or "that is supposed to work", which are suitable for more casual contexts.

Is "that ought to function" interchangeable with "that must function"?

While both indicate a requirement for functionality, "that ought to function" suggests a reasonable expectation, whereas "that must function" implies a strict necessity. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the strength of the requirement.

In what type of writing is "that ought to function" most appropriate?

"That ought to function" is most appropriate in technical, formal, or professional writing where precision and a sense of expectation are important. It may sound overly formal in casual conversation.