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Hachi8 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

should vs ought to

Some people say "you don't have to mind the difference between "should" and "ought to" because they are (almost) same as for meaning." However, I'm curious about the difference if any. Could you teach me the difference (or anything useful in usage of the two expressions)?
  

Top answer

The main difference is that if you want to use 'ought to' you can always use 'should' if you want. The reverse is not true. You cannot, for example, use 'ought to' in: I should/would think he'd be there by now.

— Fivejedjon

  • The main difference is that if you want to use 'ought to' you can always use 'should' if you want.
  • The reverse is not true.
  • You cannot, for example, use 'ought to' in: I should/would think he'd be there by now.
  • If you should see Fred, would you tell him ...
  • Should you see Fred, would you tell him ...
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8 Answers
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The main difference is that if you want to use 'ought to' you can always use 'should' if you want. The reverse is not true. You cannot, for example, use 'ought to' in:

I should/would think he'd be there by now.
If you should see Fred, would you tell him ...
Should you see Fred, would you tell him ...
If Fred asked me to do that, I should/would resign.
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hachi8Could you teach me the difference (or anything useful in usage of the two expressions)?
For one thing, you can't replace "evaluative" should with ought to.

It's surprising that Jack should leave the party so early. (Not ought to.)

CJ
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Thank you for your replies, fivejedjon and CalifJim!!

Reading your replies, I've got to feel that "ought to" is not useful that much because "should" can replace it. I think I'll keep using "should" instead of "ought to".
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hachi8I think I'll keep using "should" instead of "ought to".
Good idea. I can't even remember the last time I used "ought to".
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Good idea. I can't even remember the last time I used "ought to".
hahaxDD That sounds like even native speakers rarely use "ought to".
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I must use it more than other natives, then. Often with really. You really ought to stop smoking.
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>Philip> Because you are a doctor or something?
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hachi8>Philip> Because you are a doctor or something?
Nope. Just a retired English teacher --- who used to smoke.
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