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Lucas21c Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Interrogative and negative sentence of 'ought to'
Can I use interrogative and negative forms of 'ought to' like the following sentences?
1. Ought I to write to say thank you?
2. You ought not to stay late.
1. Ought I to write to say thank you?
2. You ought not to stay late.
Top answer
1 and 2 are entirely correct, but, although very elegant-sounding, are the way people used to speak in the 19th century. You'd more likely hear (in the US) today: 1. Should I write to say thank you?
- 1 and 2 are entirely correct, but, although very elegant-sounding, are the way people used to speak in the 19th century.
- You'd more likely hear (in the US) today: 1.
- Should I write to say thank you?
- 2.
- You should not stay late.
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3 Answers
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1 and 2 are entirely correct, but, although very elegant-sounding, are the way people used to speak in the 19th century. You'd more likely hear (in the US) today:
1. Should I write to say thank you?
2. You should not stay late.
1. Should I write to say thank you?
2. You should not stay late.
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You can, but it sounds very odd to me. Actually, I rarely say or hear ought at all (AmE).
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Is there anything wrong if i use 1 and 2 sentence (1. Ought I to write to say thank you?
2. You ought not to stay late.)
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