See Also:

ought to (oh)



[Language: Old English; Origin: ahte, past tense of agan; OWE]
used to say that someone should do something because it is the best or most sensible thing to do
-synonym should should
::You really ought to quit smoking.
::The company ought to be making changes in its marketing strategy.
::What sort of crimes ought the police to concentrate on?
::You were out enjoying yourself when you ought to have been studying.
used to make a suggestion about something you think is a good idea, especially in a social situation
-synonym should should
::We ought to get together some time soon.
::You ought to meet him; he's really nice.
::We ought to get her some flowers for her birthday.
::I ought to call Brian.
used to say that someone should do something or something should happen, because it is morally right or fair
-synonym should should
::You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
::The courts ought to treat black and white defendants in exactly the same way.
::Many people felt that America ought not to take part in the war.
used to say that you think something will probably happen, is probably true etc
-synonym should should
::He left two hours ago, so he ought to be there by now.
::They ought to win - they've trained hard enough.
::That ought to be enough potatoes for eight people.
::New technology ought to make this easier.