Ought vs Should: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms

When it comes to using language effectively, choosing the right word can make all the difference. In the case of “ought” versus “should,” it’s important to understand the nuances of each word in order to communicate your message clearly and effectively.

So which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. Both “ought” and “should” have similar meanings, but there are subtle differences that can impact how your message is received.

Generally speaking, “ought” is used to express obligation or duty, while “should” is used to give advice or make a suggestion. For example, “I ought to finish this report by the end of the day” implies that there is a sense of duty or responsibility to complete the task, while “You should try the new restaurant down the street” is a suggestion or recommendation.

Understanding the difference between these two words can help you communicate more effectively in a variety of situations. In this article, we’ll explore some of the nuances of “ought” versus “should” and provide examples of when each word might be the more appropriate choice.

Define Ought

Ought is a modal verb that expresses moral obligation or duty. It implies that there is a right course of action that one should take in a given situation. Ought is often used to indicate what is expected of someone based on societal norms or personal beliefs.

Define Should

Should is also a modal verb that expresses obligation or expectation. It is often used to indicate what is advisable or desirable in a given situation. Should can be based on personal preference, societal norms, or professional standards.

While ought and should are similar in meaning, there are subtle differences in their usage. Ought is typically used to express a stronger sense of obligation or duty, whereas should is often used to indicate a recommendation or suggestion. Ought is also more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, while should is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing between “ought” and “should” can be tricky, as they are both modal verbs that express obligation or duty. However, there are some subtle differences in their usage that can affect the meaning of a sentence. Here’s how to use each word properly:

How To Use “Ought” In A Sentence

When using “ought,” it is important to note that it is typically followed by the infinitive form of a verb. This means that it is often used to express a recommendation, rather than a requirement. For example:

• You ought to try the new restaurant in town. (recommendation)
• You ought to apologize for your behavior. (recommendation)

However, “ought” can also be used to express a moral obligation or duty, especially when discussing past events. For example:

• We ought to have done more to help our neighbors during the storm. (moral obligation)
• She ought to have known better than to lie to her boss. (moral obligation)

How To Use “Should” In A Sentence

“Should” is also often used to express a recommendation or suggestion. However, it can also be used to express an expectation or requirement, especially when discussing rules or regulations. For example:

• You should wear a helmet when riding a bike. (requirement)
• Employees should arrive at work on time. (expectation)

Additionally, “should” can be used to express regret or criticism, when discussing past events. For example:

• I should have studied harder for the exam. (regret)
• He shouldn’t have been so rude to his coworkers. (criticism)

Overall, it is important to consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between “ought” and “should.” By using these words correctly, you can convey your message clearly and effectively.

More Examples Of Ought & Should Used In Sentences

When it comes to using the words “ought” and “should,” it can be easy to get confused. However, understanding the proper contexts for each word can help you communicate more clearly and effectively. Here are some more examples of how to use “ought” and “should” in a sentence:

Examples Of Using “Ought” In A Sentence

• You ought to finish your homework before watching TV.
• We ought to arrive at the airport at least two hours before our flight.
• She ought to apologize for her rude behavior.
• He ought to be more careful with his money.
• I ought to call my parents more often.
• The company ought to invest in better technology.
• They ought to have more respect for their elders.
• Students ought to study for exams in advance.
• People ought to be more aware of their environmental impact.
• You ought to read more books to improve your vocabulary.

Examples Of Using “Should” In A Sentence

• You should eat your vegetables if you want to be healthy.
• We should take a break and go for a walk.
• She should ask for help if she needs it.
• He shouldn’t drink and drive.
• I should start saving money for retirement.
• The government should invest more in education.
• They should be more considerate of other people’s feelings.
• Students should participate in extracurricular activities.
• People should be more tolerant of others who are different from them.
• You should always wear a helmet when riding a bike.

By using “ought” and “should” correctly, you can convey your thoughts and ideas more clearly and effectively. Remember to use “ought” when expressing obligation or duty, and “should” when expressing advice or recommendation.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “ought” and “should,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and miscommunication, as these two words have different meanings and implications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “ought” and “should” in your writing:

1. Using “Ought” As A Synonym For “Should”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “ought” as a synonym for “should.” While these two words are similar in meaning, “ought” implies a moral obligation or duty, while “should” suggests a recommendation or advice. For example:

• Incorrect: You ought to eat your vegetables.
• Correct: You should eat your vegetables.

By using “ought” in this context, you are suggesting that it is morally wrong not to eat your vegetables, which may not be the case.

2. Using “Should” To Express Obligation

Another common mistake is using “should” to express obligation or necessity, which should be reserved for “must” or “have to.” For example:

• Incorrect: You should pay your bills on time.
• Correct: You must pay your bills on time.

By using “should” in this context, you are suggesting that paying bills on time is only a recommendation, when it is actually an obligation.

3. Failing To Consider Context

Finally, it is important to consider the context in which you are using “ought” and “should.” While these words have different implications, their meanings can also vary depending on the situation. For example:

Context	Example
Advice	You should exercise regularly to maintain good health.
Obligation	You ought to apologize for your mistake.
Expectation	You should arrive on time for the meeting.

By understanding the context in which you are using these words, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear.

Tips For Avoiding Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Consider the implications of each word before using it.
• Think about the context in which you are using the word.
• When in doubt, use “must” or “have to” to express obligation.
• Read your writing aloud to ensure that your message is clear.

By following these tips, you can use “ought” and “should” correctly in your writing and avoid common mistakes.

Context Matters

Choosing between “ought” and “should” can depend on the context in which they are used. While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the overall tone and message of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “ought” and “should” might change:

Context	Explanation	Example Sentence
Formal Writing	In formal writing, “ought” is often preferred over “should” as it is considered more authoritative and professional.	“Employees ought to adhere to the company’s code of conduct.”
Informal Conversation	In informal conversation, “should” is more commonly used as it is less formal and more conversational.	“You should really try that new restaurant down the street.”
Moral Obligation	When discussing moral obligations, “ought” is often used to convey a stronger sense of duty and responsibility.	“We ought to do more to help those in need.”
Social Norms	When discussing social norms, “should” is often used to convey a sense of what is expected or acceptable in a given situation.	“You should always say please and thank you.”

As these examples show, the choice between “ought” and “should” can depend on a variety of factors, including the level of formality, the context of the situation, and the message that the speaker or writer is trying to convey.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “ought” and “should” are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions to these rules that are worth noting. Below are some examples of when the rules might not apply:

1. Legal Language

In legal language, the use of “ought” and “should” can have a different meaning than in everyday language. For example, in a legal context, “ought” can be used to indicate a legal obligation, whereas “should” might be used to indicate a recommendation or suggestion.

For instance, a legal document might state that a company “ought” to comply with certain regulations, which means that the company is legally obligated to do so. On the other hand, the same document might state that a company “should” implement certain safety measures, which means that it is recommended but not necessarily required.

2. Cultural Differences

Another exception to the rules for using “ought” and “should” is that cultural differences can affect their usage. For example, in some cultures, the use of “should” might be considered impolite or too direct, while in others, it might be the preferred way of expressing an obligation or expectation.

For instance, in some Asian cultures, it is common to use indirect language when making requests or giving instructions. In this case, “ought” might be a more appropriate choice than “should” since it is less direct.

3. Personal Preferences

Finally, personal preferences can also affect the usage of “ought” and “should.” Some people might prefer one over the other depending on their writing style, tone, or audience.

For instance, if you are writing a formal report or academic paper, you might prefer to use “ought” instead of “should” since it sounds more authoritative and objective. On the other hand, if you are writing a blog post or personal essay, you might prefer to use “should” since it sounds more conversational and relatable.

Practice Exercises

If you want to improve your understanding and use of “ought” and “should” in sentences, practice exercises are a great way to start. Here are some exercises that you can try:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either “ought” or “should”.

Sentence	Answer
You _______ be more careful when handling fragile items.	should
We _______ to be grateful for what we have.	ought
He _______ to apologize for his behavior.	ought
They _______ to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight.	should

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the sentence using either “ought” or “should”.

1. It’s important to exercise regularly.
2. He is expected to finish the project by Friday.
3. You are not allowed to smoke in this area.
4. We have to be at the meeting on time.

Answers:

1. You ought to exercise regularly.
2. He should finish the project by Friday.
3. You should not smoke in this area.
4. We ought to be at the meeting on time.

Exercise 3: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. You _______ to have more patience with your children.
2. We _______ to have more respect for our elders.
3. She _______ to have a better work-life balance.
4. They _______ to be more careful with their money.

Answers:

1. ought
2. ought
3. should
4. should

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “ought” and “should” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of each word to use them correctly.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of “ought” versus “should,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Key Takeaways

• “Ought” implies a moral obligation or duty, while “should” suggests a suggestion or recommendation.
• “Ought” is often used in formal or academic writing, while “should” is more casual and conversational.
• Both words can be used to express advice or expectation, but the tone and context in which they are used can significantly impact their meaning.

By understanding the subtle differences between “ought” and “should,” writers can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of their communication.

Continuing Learning

Grammar and language use are complex topics that require ongoing study and practice. Whether you are a professional writer or simply interested in improving your communication skills, there are many resources available to help you continue learning.

Resource	Description
Grammarly	An online grammar checker and writing assistant that can help identify errors and suggest improvements.
The Elements of Style	A classic guide to English grammar and style that is widely used in academic and professional settings.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary	An authoritative resource for definitions, synonyms, and other language-related information.

By taking advantage of these and other resources, you can continue to refine your language skills and become a more effective communicator.