which ought to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which ought to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a recommendation or obligation regarding something that should be done or is expected to happen. Example: "The report, which ought to be submitted by Friday, is crucial for our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which ought to do it.

The Guardian - Sport

Which ought to be a lesson to the race warriors.

The Economist

Which ought to provide viewers with food for thought.

The New York Times - Arts

Which ought to have given the Whitney pause.

The New York Times - Arts

Which ought to please Essextronica, if no one else.

The Guardian - Music

But big business, which ought to favour competition to lower energy prices, is against deregulation.

The Economist

Which ought to be a relief to his wife and children, if not to his publisher.

Independent

Chevy has finally dispensed with its archaic torque tube driveline, which ought to delight mechanics everywhere.

The New York Times

All of which ought to make tracking down dames a little easier for both companies.

The Economist

"The death occurred in the deceased's home which ought to be a haven of safety".

Independent

The defence cabinet committee, which ought to discuss such things, rarely meets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which ought to" to introduce a clause that expresses a logical expectation or a recommended course of action based on given circumstances. For instance, "The data, which ought to be reviewed thoroughly, will inform our decision-making process."

Common error

Avoid using "which ought to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "should" or "is expected to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which ought to" functions as a relative clause, introducing a subordinate clause that modifies a preceding noun or pronoun. It indicates a sense of expectation, obligation, or logical consequence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which ought to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause expressing expectation or recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While versatile, it is more common in formal settings such as news, science, and business, suggesting a degree of formality. Simpler alternatives like "that should" are available for informal communication. When employing "which ought to", ensure it aligns with the context and desired tone, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that should

Replaces "ought to" with a more direct expression of expectation or recommendation.

that is expected to

Emphasizes the aspect of expectation rather than obligation.

which is supposed to

Suggests a requirement or rule that may not always be followed.

that would

Expresses a conditional consequence or expectation.

which it would be advisable to

Adds a layer of formality and suggests a recommended course of action.

that it is imperative to

Highlights the necessity or urgency of the action.

which it is essential to

Emphasizes the critical importance of the action.

that must

Conveys a strong sense of obligation or necessity.

that needs to

Indicates a requirement or necessity for a specific action.

that is required to

Highlights a formal requirement or stipulation.

FAQs

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

Use "which ought to" to introduce a clause that expresses an expectation or recommendation based on a given context. For example, "The report, which ought to be submitted by Friday, is crucial for the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "which ought to"?

You can use alternatives like "that should", "that is expected to", or "which is supposed to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "which ought to" formal or informal?

"Which ought to" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "should".

What's the difference between "which ought to" and "that should"?

"Which ought to" implies a stronger sense of expectation or recommendation, often based on logic or reason, whereas "that should" is a more direct and general expression of expectation.