The meaning of OUGHT is —used to express obligation, advisability, natural expectation, or logical consequence. How to use ought in a sentence.

ought modal verb [+ to infinitive] (PROBABLE) used to say that the action expressed in the verb is probable or expected:

You use ought to when saying that you think it is a good idea and important for you or someone else to do a particular thing, especially when giving or asking for advice or opinions.

1. (used to express duty or moral obligation): Every citizen ought to help. 2. (used to express justice, moral rightness, or the like): He ought to be punished.

Oct 19, 2025 · Ought is an auxiliary verb; it takes a following verb as its complement. This following verb may appear either as a full infinitive (such as “to go”) or a bare infinitive (such as …

Ought is definitely an English word. It is a modal verb that is almost always followed by to + the infinitive form of a verb, as in these examples: They ought to be here by now. There ought to …

(used to express the opinion that the action of the main verb is one's duty or moral obligation): Every citizen ought to help. (used to express the opinion that the action of the main verb is one …

Ought definition: (used to express duty or moral obligation).. See examples of OUGHT used in a sentence.

Learn the difference between the homophones Ought vs aught, their usage, & easy examples. Visit Grammarist today!

OUGHT definition: 1. used to say or ask what is the correct or best thing to do: 2. used to say that you expect…. Learn more.