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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Ought

ɔt
Uncommon
~ 7600
~ 7600, Uncommon
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Expressing a necessity or duty, Expressing probability or likelihood, Expressing advisability or desirability

Ought - Meanings

Expressing a necessity or duty

Example: You ought to finish your homework before watching TV.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Commonly used to indicate a moral obligation or recommended course of action.

Expressing probability or likelihood

Example: It ought to rain later today.
Usage: formalContext: weather forecasts or predictions
Note: Used to suggest a high degree of certainty or expectation.

Expressing advisability or desirability

Example: You ought to try the new restaurant in town.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations or recommendations
Note: Often used to give suggestions or recommendations in a polite manner.

Ought's synonyms

should

Should is used to indicate a suggestion or recommendation.
Example: You should apologize for your mistake.
Note: Should is more commonly used in modern English compared to 'ought'.

must

Must is used to indicate a strong necessity or obligation.
Example: You must finish your homework before going out.
Note: Must implies a stronger sense of obligation compared to 'ought'.

need to

Need to is used to express a requirement or necessity.
Example: You need to be more careful next time.
Note: Need to is more direct and straightforward compared to 'ought'.

Ought expressions, common phrases

ought to

Expresses a moral obligation or duty to do something.
Example: You ought to apologize for what you said.
Note: The phrase 'ought to' is a modal verb construction that is used to give advice or make recommendations.

ought not to

Indicates a negative moral obligation or duty not to do something.
Example: You ought not to eat too much junk food.
Note: Similar to 'ought to', this phrase negates the moral obligation or duty.

ought not

Suggests a moral duty or obligation not to do something.
Example: You ought not be so harsh on yourself.
Note: The omission of 'to' makes the phrase less formal but retains the same meaning.

ought not have

Expresses a regret or disapproval for an action that was done in the past.
Example: She ought not have spoken to you that way.
Note: Emphasizes the past action and the regret associated with it.

ought to have

Indicates a missed obligation or duty in the past.
Example: You ought to have studied more for the exam.
Note: Focuses on a past obligation or duty that was not fulfilled.

ought not to have

Denotes disapproval or regret for a past action that should not have been done.
Example: He ought not to have lied about his whereabouts.
Note: Similar to 'ought to have', this phrase expresses disapproval or regret for an action in the past.

ought to be

Suggests a desirable or expected behavior or quality.
Example: Children ought to be respectful towards their elders.
Note: Emphasizes the expected behavior or quality that is considered appropriate.

Ought everyday (slang) expressions

oughta

Oughta is a contraction of 'ought to', commonly used in informal spoken language. It implies a recommendation or suggestion.
Example: You oughta call your mom more often.
Note: Oughta is a more colloquial and casual way of saying 'ought to'.

hafta

Hafta is a contraction of 'have to', used to express obligation or necessity. It is often used in fast speech or informal settings.
Example: I hafta finish this report by tomorrow.
Note: Hafta specifically refers to a sense of obligation, while 'ought' implies a duty or moral responsibility.

'ta

'Ta is a shortened form of 'to the', often used in conjunction with another word for brevity or informality.
Example: I saw 'ta doctor yesterday.
Note: 'Ta does not carry the same meaning as 'ought', but it is used in informal speech as a shortcut.

oughtta

Oughtta is a further contraction of 'ought to', indicating a strong expectation or belief.
Example: She oughtta know better than to do that.
Note: Oughtta intensifies the sense of obligation compared to just 'ought'.

oughtn't

Oughtn't is a contraction of 'ought not', used to question or challenge a situation or behavior.
Example: Oughtn't you be studying for the exam?
Note: Oughtn't expresses a negative expectation or prohibition, unlike the more neutral 'ought'.

oughtacoulda

Oughtacoulda is a humorous or colloquial way of expressing regret or wishful thinking about a missed opportunity in the past.
Example: I oughtacoulda finished that project last week.
Note: Oughtacoulda combines 'ought to', 'could have', and 'should have' to emphasize a missed chance or action.

oughta woulda coulda

Oughta woulda coulda is a phrase used to reference someone who talks about what they should, would, or could have done but did not actually do.
Example: He just keeps saying, 'oughta woulda coulda,' instead of taking action.
Note: Oughta woulda coulda conveys a sense of disappointment or frustration about missed opportunities or inaction.

Ought - Examples

You ought to study for the exam.
It ought to be sunny today.
He ought to apologize for his behavior.

Ought grammar

Ought - Auxiliary (Auxiliary) / Modal (Modal)
Lemma: ought
Conjugations
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): ought
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): ought
Syllables, Separation and Stress
ought Contains 1 syllables: ought
Phonetic transcription: ˈȯt
ought , ˈȯt (The red syllable is stressed)

Ought - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
ought: ~ 7600 (Uncommon).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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