we ought to conclude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we ought to conclude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a logical or necessary ending to a discussion or argument. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence presented, we ought to conclude that the project was a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We probably ought to conclude that's not a very good way to hold a primary," Mr. Engler said then.

The New York Times

In this study we focus on what clinicians ought to conclude when they detect a blip with the more sensitive assays now commonly used for monitoring patients.

BMC Infectious Diseases

"These stories are inconclusive, we say, and proceed to frame a criticism based upon the assumption that stories ought to conclude in a way that we recognize," Virginia Woolf would later write about Chekhov.

The New Yorker

If he is as passionate about helping the poor as he claims, Mr Wolfowitz ought to conclude that his goals for the bank will best be achieved without him.If not, the bank's political masters must push him out.

The Economist

It was only after the café had closed for the night, the chairs overturned on the tables, that the rain ceased completely, leaving Stevick with the question of whether his shift here ought to conclude.

The New Yorker

We consider the effect of different assays and of adherence on the predictive value of transient detectable viremia in an effort to better understand what a clinician ought to conclude when transient viremia is detected using these more sensitive assays.

BMC Infectious Diseases

In Book IV of the Essay, where Locke concludes that morality is, like mathematics, a human science (and, properly-speaking, knowledge), Locke draws a teleological lesson since we are clearly fitted with the capacity for discerning our moral duty, then that is what we ought to do: "I think I may conclude, that Morality is the proper Science and Business of Mankind in general".

SEP

What ought we to conclude based on this example?Certainly, one could reasonably argue that the sector would be even better if state control were relaxed, monopolies broken up, subsidies curtailed, and market controls (like those on immigration) eliminated.

The Economist

Ought we to conclude, on the basis of memory evidence, that the resulting person is not Charlie but Guy Fawkes brought back to life, or ought we instead to infer from the absence of physical continuity that he is simply Charlie with memory loss?

SEP

They suggest that we ought to wait for more data before concluding very much about the bounces that the conventions have produced.

The New York Times

Soames [1987] concludes that we ought to give up the view that propositions are sets of worlds of any sort, and embrace an account of propositions according to which propositions are structured entities, with individuals, properties and relations as constituents.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we ought to conclude", consider the audience and the level of formality required. While generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound slightly formal, so adjust your language accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "we ought to conclude" when the evidence is weak or incomplete. Overstating the certainty of your conclusion can undermine your credibility. Instead, use more tentative phrases like "we might surmise" or "it is reasonable to assume".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we ought to conclude" functions as a directive speech act, guiding the audience towards a specific interpretation or judgment. It combines an expression of obligation ("ought to") with the act of concluding, framing the conclusion as a necessary or highly advisable step.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we ought to conclude" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that suggests a logical or necessary ending to a discussion or argument. Although not exceedingly common, according to Ludwig, it is acceptable in various contexts, particularly in science, news and media, and formal business settings. It is used to guide the audience toward a reasoned judgment based on presented information, and it is best employed when the evidence strongly supports the suggested conclusion. Alternatives such as "we should infer" or "the evidence suggests" can be used to modulate the level of certainty or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we should infer

Replaces "ought to" with "should", suggesting a slightly less strong obligation or recommendation.

we may infer

Similar to "we should infer", but slightly more formal and cautious.

we can determine

Implies a more definitive and precise conclusion, often after investigation.

we must deduce

Emphasizes a logical necessity in the conclusion, making it a stronger statement.

the evidence suggests

Shifts the focus to the evidence, making the conclusion seem more objective.

we can gather

Suggests a more tentative conclusion based on available information.

we are led to believe

Highlights the persuasive nature of the evidence leading to the conclusion.

it is reasonable to assume

Introduces a degree of uncertainty, implying the conclusion is based on reasonable grounds but not absolute proof.

we can safely say

Indicates confidence in the conclusion, assuring the audience of its validity.

we might surmise

Indicates a more speculative conclusion, based on limited evidence or intuition.

FAQs

What does "we ought to conclude" mean?

The phrase "we ought to conclude" suggests that, based on available information or reasoning, a particular conclusion is the most logical or appropriate one. It implies a sense of duty or obligation to arrive at that conclusion.

When is it appropriate to use "we ought to conclude"?

It's appropriate to use "we ought to conclude" when presenting a reasoned argument or analysis and suggesting the most sensible takeaway based on the information provided. It's suitable for formal writing and discussions where a logical conclusion needs to be emphasized.

What are some alternatives to "we ought to conclude"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we should infer", "we must deduce", or "the evidence suggests". The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

How does "we ought to conclude" differ from "we can conclude"?

"We can conclude" simply states that it's possible to draw a conclusion, whereas "we ought to conclude" suggests that there's a compelling reason or logical necessity to arrive at that particular conclusion. The latter implies a stronger justification.