Ought vs Should: What is the difference

Learning English involves mastering modal verbs like “ought” and “should,” which are essential for expressing advice, obligation, or expectations. While these words may seem similar, there are key differences in how they are used. Understanding “ought vs should” will help you choose the right word depending on the situation.

This article will explore their meanings, uses, and differences with simple examples to make learning easy.

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are helping verbs that express necessity, possibility, or obligation. “Ought” and “should” are both modal verbs used to give advice or talk about what is right or expected.

• Ought: More formal, often tied to moral duty or strong advice.
• Should: Less formal, commonly used in daily conversations for advice, obligation, or probability.

Both modal verbs play an important role in English, but they differ in tone and usage.

Use of Ought

“Ought” is a modal verb used to express moral obligation or strong advice. It emphasizes what is the right thing to do.

Uses of Ought

• Moral Duty: “Ought” highlights what is proper or morally correct.
  Example: “You ought to respect your teachers.”
• Advice: Used to give strong recommendations.
  Example: “You ought to visit the museum; it’s fascinating.”

Examples of Ought in Sentences

1. “We ought to recycle more to protect the environment.”
2. “He ought to apologize for his behavior.”
3. “You ought to wear a helmet while riding a bike.”

Use of Should

“Should” is a modal verb used to express advice, obligation, or likelihood. It is softer and more commonly used in everyday English compared to “ought.”

Uses of Should

• Advice: Offering suggestions or recommendations.
  Example: “You should drink more water to stay healthy.”
• Obligation: Highlighting responsibility or expectations.
  Example: “We should always tell the truth.”
• Probability: Referring to something likely to happen.
  Example: “The train should arrive on time.”

Examples of Should in Sentences

1. “You should exercise regularly to stay fit.”
2. “We should leave now to catch the bus.”
3. “She should finish her homework before dinner.”

Key Differences Between Ought vs Should

Formality

• “Ought” is more formal and less commonly used in modern English.
• “Should” is less formal and widely used in daily conversations.

Strength of Advice

• “Ought” conveys a stronger sense of moral obligation.
• “Should” is softer and more general.

Examples in Comparison

1. “You ought to help your neighbor during difficult times.” (strong moral advice)
2. “You should help your neighbor if you can.” (general advice)

Ought vs Should in Question

Both “ought” and “should” can be used in questions, but “should” is more common.

• Example with “ought”:
  “Ought we to bring a gift to the party?” (formal)
• Example with “should”:
  “Should we bring a gift to the party?” (informal and conversational)

When deciding between “ought vs should,” consider the formality and tone of the situation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mixing Formality:

• Incorrect: “You ought bring an umbrella.”
• Correct: “You ought to bring an umbrella.”

Forgetting the Use of ‘To’ with Ought:
Always pair “ought” with “to” before the verb.

• Incorrect: “You ought go home.”
• Correct: “You ought to go home.”

Overusing Ought in Casual Speech:

• Instead of: “You ought to see this movie.”
• Use: “You should see this movie.” (more natural in casual conversations)

Practical Exercises to Master Ought vs Should

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

• “You _____ to respect your parents.” (ought/should)
• “We _____ leave early to avoid traffic.” (ought/should)

Rewrite the Sentences

1. Replace “should” with “ought”:

• Original: “You should help with the chores.”
• Revised: “You ought to help with the chores.”

2. Replace “ought” with “should”:

• Original: “He ought to visit his grandmother more often.”
• Revised: “He should visit his grandmother more often.”

8.3 Create Your Own Sentences

Write one sentence using “ought” and one using “should” to give advice or express an obligation.

Tips for Using Ought vs Should

• Use “ought” when you want to emphasize moral obligation or formality.
  Example: “We ought to donate to charity.”
• Use “should” for general advice or informal conversations.
  Example: “You should try the new restaurant downtown.”
• Practice by observing how native speakers use these modal verbs in real-life situations or media.

Conclusion

The difference between “ought vs should” lies in their tone, formality, and strength of advice. While “ought” is more formal and emphasizes moral obligation, “should” is more versatile and widely used in daily conversations.

By understanding their meanings and practicing their use, you can confidently choose the right modal verb for any situation. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with “ought” and “should” in your writing and speech.

I hope this article helped you to learn the difference between ought vs should, their meanings, uses, and differences with simple examples to make learning easy.

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