ought

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.

"At the very least," argued Mr Price, the official "ought to have known that it was incorrect".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

The message echoes a Steyer theme on the campaign trail — that candidates ought to be judged by who is supporting them and who is opposing them.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

It starts from a belief that these people are operating in a world we don’t understand, and that we ought to leave alone, far from our base everyday politics and civic concerns.

From Slate • May 13, 2026

The rally ought to have legs as long as chip companies continue to raise their earnings-per-share estimates at a time when investors are hopeful the Iran war could end, he said.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

“I suppose I ought to find out when her birthday is. Blast! I hope I didn’t write it in the almanac. It’s a slippery book, that almanac, always wandering off....”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood