Ought
Verb
UK
/ɔːt/
US
/ɔːt/
Definition
Used to say what is right, expected, or advisable to do.
Example
"You ought to apologise for your mistake."
"She felt she ought to help her friend, knowing it was the right thing to do."
"We ought to respect others, even when we disagree with their opinions."
Explanation
Ought is used to say what is the right, correct, or expected thing to do. It often gives advice, shows duty, or expresses moral responsibility. Ought is always used with “to” before a verb, such as “ought to help” or “ought to study”. When you say someone ought to do something, you mean it is a good idea or the proper action. It is commonly used to talk about what people should do in certain situations or what is expected morally, logically, or socially, not because they are forced.