ought in English: Used with "to" to say what is the right thing to do. (verb)

Translation

Used with "to" to say what is the right thing to do.

Word origin

From Old English ahte, the past form of agan, to own or to owe. Duty was once thought of as something you owe.

Verb typemodal verb

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"Ought" is nearly always followed by "to" and a verb.

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It is close to "should", but a little more formal.

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The negative is "ought not to", often shortened in speech.

should

Used to say that something is a good idea or the right thing to do.

must

Used to say that something is needed or has to happen.

need

To have to have something because it is important or necessary.

duty

Something you must do because it is right, or because it is part of your job.

right

Correct or true, or the side that is opposite the left.

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