Words / A2

ORT/ɔːt/

Ought is used with to for advice or duty: you ought to, ought not to, we ought to leave. Should is the everyday synonym. Must is stronger (necessary). Ought always needs to in this A2 pattern (ought to go, not “ought go”). Do not write ought when you mean aught (old word), or out.

Meaning

Used with to to say that something is the right or sensible thing to do.

Examples

• “You ought to keep a copy of your passport.”
• “You ought to charge your phone before the journey.”
• “We ought not to leave bags unattended.”

Good to know

ought to + verb. Synonym: should. Stronger: must. Always to. Mix-up: out.

Near in meaning

should

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