Using ought to and should

The words ought to and should have the same meaning.

Study the following sentence.

What ought I to do?

This means the same as?

What should I do?

Rewrite the following sentences using ‘ought to’.

1. You should go home now.

2. You should consult a doctor.

3. She should be here soon.

4. I should leave now.

5. You should help your mother.

6. Where should I go?

Answers

1. You ought to go home now.

2. You ought to consult a doctor.

3. She ought to be here soon.

4. I ought to leave now.

5. You ought to help your mother.

6. Where ought I to go?

Notes

Modal auxiliary verbs are usually followed by an infinitive without to. Ought is an exception to this rule. It is followed by an infinitive with to.

Compare:

You should wait for me. (NOT You should to wait for me.)

You ought to wait for me. (NOT You ought wait for me.