How do we use ‘ought’ in a sentence?
- ‘Ought’ is followed by an infinitive (to eat, to run, to go, to cry, etc.)
- ‘Ought’ does not change form for persons (I, you, he, she, they)
- To make a negative sentence using ‘ought,’ use ‘not’ after ‘ought’
So, when do we use ‘ought’ in a sentence?
- When talking about rules and regulations
- When giving advice
- When talking about possible future situations
Examples..
- Jim ought not to drive when it’s raining.
- Everyone ought to drink 8 glasses of water to stay healthy.
- My wife ought to get back from the trip tonight.
More examples..
ought to
198,000,000 examples found
The purpose for which it is to be raised ought to appear evident to the Legislature to be of more service to community than the money would be if not collected.
Some corporations do not report until absolutely required to do so. To remedy this, governments ought to consider legislation requiring timely mandatory reporting.
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty. – John Adams, 1772.
ought not to
16,700,000 examples found
There is no requirement that the cover of a parody carry a disclaimer that it is not produced by the subject of the parody, and we ought not to find such a requirement. . . .
That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Thus, inherent to this account of the common good is a recognition that the state ought not to coercively impose its view of what is best for individuals, families, religious communities, and civic associations.
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