# ought to

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ought-to
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this to say what is the right or best thing to do. It is also used to say that something is likely to happen.

## Examples

- You really ought to call your mother today.
- The weather report says it ought to stop raining by the time we leave for the park.
- Given his years of dedicated service to the organization, one would expect that he ought to be considered for the upcoming promotion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.