ought

Used to say what is the right or best thing to do.

• You ought to rest.
• We ought to help our neighbours.
• He ought to have checked the address before leaving.

How to use it: ought to + verb (You ought to call your mother.); ought not to + verb (We ought not to waste food.); ought to have + past participle (I ought to have thanked her sooner.)

Similar words: should

Common phrases: ought to help, ought to know, ought to apologize

Used to say that something is likely or expected to happen or be true.

• The bus ought to arrive soon.
• That amount ought to be enough for everyone.
• They ought to have finished the repairs by now.

How to use it: ought to + verb (This key ought to fit the lock.); ought to have + past participle (The parcel ought to have arrived yesterday.)

Similar words: should

Common phrases: ought to arrive, ought to be ready, ought to work