we ought to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we ought to continue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that it is necessary or advisable to keep going with a particular action or process. Example: "After reviewing the project's progress, we ought to continue with the next phase to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That's a debate we ought to continue.

The Washington Post

"I think we ought to continue to use IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the patients with high benefit," he says.

Forbes

But this leaves open the question whether we ought to continue to traffic in anomic concepts generally, and mental concepts in particular.

SEP

I don't mean, as I said before, to reply particularly to any arguments, but to establish the point that we have all along acted upon foederal principles, and that we ought to continue foederal, and I have no doubt but we shall.

University of Chicago

"The reality is that when you ask them the question -- other than Joe Barton -- it's pretty hard to with a straight face say 'Yes, we ought to continue these subsidies for oil companies,' " Nayak said.

Huffington Post

Pointing to the city's declining crime rates -- and declining civilian complaints about police -- Kelly said, "Something is going right here, and I would respectfully suggest that we ought to continue to do the things we are doing to keep the city safe".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

DAVID AXELROD: Well, first of all, the President has said that that he thinks that we ought to continue those portions of the tax cuts that apply to the middle class.

Huffington Post

"I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't say that we had a conversation on whether he ought to continue," Weiser said.

The New York Times - Sports

He called the new figures "encouraging" and said that, along with other measures that his group tracks internally, "it tells us that we're on the right track, and ought to continue with the lawsuits".

The New York Times

"Those low interest rates ought to continue to fuel the organic, cyclical recovery that we are enjoying right now".

The New York Times

That debate ought to continue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we ought to continue", ensure the context clearly establishes what action or process should be continued. Be specific rather than vague.

Common error

Avoid using "we ought to continue" in very informal settings; alternatives like "we should keep going" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we ought to continue" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advisability or recommendation. As Ludwig AI also reports, the sentence structure is grammatically correct and can be adapted into different contexts depending on the needs of the writer.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we ought to continue" is a grammatically sound modal verb phrase indicating advisability or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for expressing a reasoned suggestion for ongoing action. While it is primarily used in news and media contexts, it also appears in scientific and academic writing. For more informal settings, consider using alternatives like "we should proceed" or "we should carry on". Remember to clearly define the context and action being continued for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we should proceed

Replaces "ought to" with the more common "should", indicating a recommendation.

we should carry on

Uses "carry on" instead of "continue", offering a more informal tone.

we need to persist

Emphasizes the necessity of continuing despite challenges.

we must go on

Highlights the obligation to continue, suggesting a stronger imperative.

we have to keep going

Offers a more colloquial way to express the need for continuation.

we are obliged to proceed

Uses a formal tone, emphasizing a sense of obligation or duty.

it is imperative to continue

Highlights the urgency and importance of continuing.

we are compelled to carry on

Indicates that there is no alternative to continuing.

we are bound to proceed

Suggests that continuation is required by duty or agreement.

we must not stop

Emphasizes the importance of not ceasing the current action.

FAQs

What does "we ought to continue" mean?

The phrase "we ought to continue" suggests that it is advisable or necessary for a group (represented by "we") to keep doing something. It implies a recommendation based on reason or duty.

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

It's suitable in contexts where you want to express a reasoned suggestion or recommendation for ongoing action, particularly in formal or semi-formal settings. For more casual scenarios, consider alternatives.

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

You can use alternatives like "we should proceed", "we should carry on", or "we need to persist" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "we ought to continue" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "we ought to continue" leans toward the formal side. In very casual conversations, phrases like "we should keep going" might feel more natural.