Unit 7.2
Should vs Ought to
Introduction
Form
Should and ought to are always followed by the infinitive of the verb. They have the same forms even for the third person singular.
Affirmative forms:
- Should: Subject + should + infinitive + …
- Ought to: Subject + ought to + infinitive + …
Negative forms:
- Should: Subject + should + not + infinitive + …
- Ought to: Subject + ought + not + to + infinitive + …
Interrogative forms:
- Should: Should + subject + infinitive + …?
- Ought to: Ought + subject + to + infinitive + …?
Example
Should
- We should go now. /
We should to go now. - We shouldn’t go now.
- Should we go now?
Ought to
- We ought to go now. /
We ought go now. - We oughtn’t to go now.
- Ought we to go now?
Use
Summary
The modal verbs should and ought to express weaker obligation or advice. They are always followed by the infinitive.
They differ in usage despite both having similar meanings.
- Should is used more often and is less formal.
- Ought to is very uncommon in everyday use, especially in its negative and interrogative form, and is generally more formal.
For example:
— “You should apologise.” / “You ought to apologise.” = Should and ought to have similar meaning.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
Exercises
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