ought to

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Did she want to signal that you ought to give her more money next time?

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

"We ought to acknowledge that this is a problem, and that it's got patient safety implications for mothers and babies," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

Considering that media and entertainment valuations are higher than that at closer to 10 times estimated 2026 Ebitda, Comcast ought to be trading higher given that NBCUniversal is set to become an independent company.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

At his most abstract, Jefferson could press this belief with a math nerd’s precision, as when he wrote James Madison that all laws ought to be changed every 19 years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

“Perhaps I ought to come back another time.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood