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.
MacCleary, in his letter to ISC chairman Lord Beamish, said the security of the prime minister's communications "ought to be an absolute priority".
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
John is clichéd in a different way, the former Marine sharpshooter who has worked all his life to be a Lantern and is not nearly as damaged as he ought to be.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
Although Cal/OSHA doesn’t have the authority to ban the sale of the product, the association argued that it ought to ban its production and fabrication in the state.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
Democrats and Republicans alike ought to brace for impact.
From Slate ● Aug. 7, 2026
“But if he did bury a snake for somebody else, it’s the first cooperative thing he’s ever done in his life, and I just think we ought to drop the whole subject, don’t you?”
From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson
