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ArthurAWESOME Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Ought to for UK
in the UK what is more preferable verb 'should' or 'ought to', or there is any differense in using them?
and how should I say:
I ought to follow him, oughtn't I?
Is that okay?
and how should I say:
I ought to follow him, oughtn't I?
Is that okay?
Top answer
In British English, "should" and "ought to" are (in the sense of obligation or recommendation) often interchangeable and equally acceptable. For example, "He should get more exercise" and "He ought to get more exercise" are both fine. Two cases where I personally have a preference (for "should") are questions and negatives.
- In British English, "should" and "ought to" are (in the sense of obligation or recommendation) often interchangeable and equally acceptable.
- For example, "He should get more exercise" and "He ought to get more exercise" are both fine.
- Two cases where I personally have a preference (for "should") are questions and negatives.
- ", and "You shouldn't do that" not "You oughtn't to do that".
- As far as I can think, this is fairly typical of BrE speakers.
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2 Answers
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In British English, "should" and "ought to" are (in the sense of obligation or recommendation) often interchangeable and equally acceptable. For example, "He should get more exercise" and "He ought to get more exercise" are both fine.
Two cases where I personally have a preference (for "should") are questions and negatives. For example, I would usually say "Should I do this?" not "Ought
Two cases where I personally have a preference (for "should") are questions and negatives. For example, I would usually say "Should I do this?" not "Ought
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