# ought

/ˈɔt/ (US) · /ˈɔːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ought
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. duty or obligation

verb · CEFR B1 · Formal

used to say that someone has a duty to do something because it is the right thing to do.

For teachers: expresses moral or legal obligation or duty. It is followed by the 'to'-infinitive and does not change form for person or number.

- We ought to help our neighbours while they are away on holiday.
- Citizens ought to consider the long-term environmental consequences of their daily consumption habits before dismissing new regulations.

Usage: Always followed by 'to' plus the base form of the verb; in negatives, 'ought not to' is the standard formal construction.

### 2. probability or expectation

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

used to say that you expect something to happen based on what you know.

For teachers: indicates a strong logical probability or expectation that a particular state or event will occur.

- The bus ought to be here in five minutes if the traffic is light.
- Given the current economic indicators, the central bank ought to announce a reduction in interest rates by the end of the quarter.

Usage: Functions as a modal of deduction, similar to 'should' in its epistemic sense.

### 3. what should be

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

an idea of what is right or how things should be, rather than how they actually are.

For teachers: refers to an ideal state or a moral imperative, often contrasted with 'is' in philosophical contexts.

- There is often a big difference between the 'is' and the 'ought' in politics.
- The philosopher spent his career exploring the gap between the 'is' of human nature and the moral 'ought' of ethical theory.

Teaching tip: This noun use is rare outside of academic or philosophical discussions regarding ethics.

## Examples

- You ought to see a doctor about that cough.
- The train ought to be here by now if it left the station on schedule.
- While the legal requirements are met, we ought to consider the ethical implications of our decision before proceeding with the merger.

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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.