B1 formal 3K

Ought

UK //ɔːt// US //ɔt// Pronunciation

Definition

Used to indicate duty, advisability, or correctness.

Listen to definition

In simple words: should or must do something

Examples

• You ought to apologize for your mistake.
• She ought to study more for the exam.
• We ought to help those in need.

Usage notes

Use 'ought' in advising or suggesting. It sounds more formal than 'should' and is less common in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

ought + to + verb

Memory hint

Sounds like 'out' – imagine being out of options, you ought to choose wisely.

Collocations

• ought to know
• ought to be
• ought to do

Synonyms

• should
• must
• have to
• need to
• shall

Antonyms

• ought not
• should not

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'should' – they are similar but 'ought' sounds more formal.
• Using 'ought' without 'to', e.g., 'You ought study.' which is incorrect.
• Incorrectly using 'ought' in negative forms like 'oughtn't' in some dialects.