verb
ought
awt
verb
1
Used to express what is the right or sensible thing to do, or what is likely to be true.
"You ought to see a doctor about that cough."
"It ought to stop raining by the afternoon."
How to Use Ought
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slightly formal way of saying "should," for duty, advice, or likelihood.
Common mistake
Always followed by "to" + verb — "you ought to go," never "you ought go."
Easily confused with
Word Forms
oughts plural
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You _____ to see a doctor about that cough.
Etymology
From Old English āhte, an old past-tense form of "owe" — originally meaning something closer to "was obligated to."