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.

Chief U.S. economist Thomas Simons of Jefferies said the bump in new claims over the past two weeks is almost certainly what he calls “noise” and ought to be played down, if not ignored.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

This legislation ought to have bipartisan support, and it once did.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Ministers have acknowledged already that guidance to forces is clunky and ought to be reviewed.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Similarly, a newly issued report by the Government Accountability Office External link ought to quell concerns about the quality of employment data produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which assembles the monthly jobs report.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

One glanced over as Clara swept past them to get the attention of the bartender, and she wondered whether she ought to let her hair down.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny