42 Ought to: Modal Auxiliary Verb
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Introduction
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that has no meaning on its own but it modifies the main verb, changes its meaning and gives more details about the action.
Ought to is a type of auxiliary modal verb used to express obligation and duty through advice or recommendations.
Form
Ought to always has the same form even for the third person singular, and we find this structure in its three forms.
Affirmative
Its structure, in the affirmative form, is:
Subject + ought to + verb + …
Subject | ought to | Verb |
---|---|---|
I/You | ought to | work |
He/She/It | ought to | work |
We/You/They | ought to | work |
Negative
Its structure, in the negative form, is:
Subject + ought + not + to + verb + …
- Short version of the negative form is: oughtn’t.
Subject | ought to + not | Verb |
---|---|---|
I/You | ought not to | work |
He/She/It | ought not to | work |
We/You/They | ought not to | work |
Interrogative
Its structure, in the interrogative form, is:
Ought + subject + to + verb + …?
Ought | Subject | to | Verb | Question Mark |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ought | I/you | to | work | …? |
Ought | he/she/it | to | work | …? |
Ought | we/you/they | to | work | …? |
Example
- Weaker obligation/duty
- You ought to apologise.
- Smoking oughtn’t to be allowed at school.
- You ought to get the diploma soon.
- Advice
- You ought to work out more.
- He oughtn’t to memorise the rule, it’s better to understand it.
- Ought we to read the syllabus of the course?
Use
Ought to can be considered not to be as strong as must. We use ought to when:
- We indicate weaker obligation or duty;
- We give and ask for advice (recommendation).
Summary
The modal verb ought to expresses obligation or advice. It can be considered to not be as strong as must.
The structures are:
- Affirmative: Subject + ought to + verb + …
- Negative: Subject + ought + not + to + verb + …
- Interrogative: Ought + subject + to + verb + …?
For example:
— Affirmative: “You ought to do your homework to understand the subject.” = Ought to is used to give a recommendation.
— Negative: “You oughtn´t to do your homework to understand the subject.” = Oughtn’t is used to give a recommendation.
— Interrogative: “Ought you to do your homework to understand the subject?” = Ought…? is used to ask for a confirmation of a recommendation.
♦ “You must do your homework or you will fail the class.” = Must expresses a stronger obligation.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
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