Ought

English

Auxiliary verb

ought

1. indicating duty or obligation
   • You ought to vote in the coming election
2. indicating advisability or prudence
   • You ought to stand back from the edge of the platform
3. indicating desirability
   • You ought to have seen the film; it was very good
4. indicating likelihood or probability
   • You ought to be here by 12 if you take the motorway

See also

• aught