When to Use Should vs Ought To: Usage Rules and Examples
Understanding the difference between "should" and "ought to" in English grammar is essential for effective spoken and written communication. Whether you’re preparing for school exams, competitive tests, or improving daily English, knowing when and how to use these modal verbs ensures clarity and correctness.
| Modal | Meaning | Formality | Common Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Should | Advice, recommendation | Informal to neutral | Very common in speech and writing | You should finish your homework. |
| Ought To | Advice, stronger expectation | More formal | Mainly used in formal or written English | You ought to respect your elders. |
Difference Between Should and Ought To
The difference between should and ought to centers on usage and formality. "Should" is widely used for giving advice or opinions in everyday English. "Ought to" has almost the same meaning but is a bit more formal and less common in conversation. Both suggest what is proper or advisable, but neither is as strong as "must."
What is Should?
"Should" is a modal auxiliary verb used to offer advice, make recommendations, or express a mild obligation. It helps in guiding people towards the right action but does not express necessity. Students use "should" in essays, letters, and spoken English.
When to Use Should
- Giving advice: You should sleep early.
- Expressing an opinion: I think you should try this book.
- Making polite suggestions: We should take an umbrella.
- Expectations: The train should arrive soon.
What is Ought To?
"Ought to" is another modal verb that expresses advice, moral obligation, or strong recommendations. It is very similar to "should" but is considered more formal. "Ought to" is preferred in written or formal English, especially when speaking of duty or what is right.
When to Use Ought To
- Giving strong advice or moral duty: You ought to help your friend.
- Expressing strong recommendations: Students ought to revise before exams.
- Describing expected outcomes: He ought to be here by now.
Similarities Between Should and Ought To
Both "should" and "ought to" are used for giving advice and making recommendations. In many cases, they can be used interchangeably, especially in positive statements. For example, "You should check your work" and "You ought to check your work" have the same meaning. However, "ought to" is less common in negative or interrogative forms and sounds more formal.
Should vs Ought To: Rules and Examples
| Use | Should | Ought To |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Statement | You should rest now. | You ought to rest now. |
| Negative Statement | You should not worry. | You ought not to worry. |
| Question | Should I call her? | Ought I to call her? (formal, rare) |
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Do not use "to" after "should": Correct – You should go. Incorrect – You should to go.
- Use "ought" with "to": Correct – You ought to speak. Incorrect – You ought speak.
- For polite or neutral speech, prefer "should". For formal writing or moral advice, use "ought to".
- Both can be used for expectations: The teacher should/ought to arrive soon.
Practice Questions Using Should and Ought To
- Fill in the blank: You _______ (should/ought to) help your classmates.
- Correct the sentence: You ought eat fruits every day.
- Change to negative: You should finish your homework.
- Make a question: She should apologize.
- Write a sentence with "ought to" expressing advice.
Why Learn the Difference Between Should and Ought To?
Mastering these modal verbs will improve your marks in school and competitive exams. They help you write better informal and formal sentences and become more confident in everyday English conversations. At Vedantu, we make grammar simple so every student can succeed.
How to Use Should and Ought To Correctly
- Use "should" for routine advice, suggestions, or opinions.
- Use "ought to" for stronger advice, moral duty, or formal writing.
- Remember the structure: "should" + base verb; "ought to" + base verb.
You can find more about modal verbs and their uses in our Modal Verbs guide and Auxiliaries and Modal Verbs resource for advanced learners. For a detailed comparison, check out our Difference Between Must and Should page as well.
To sum up, the difference between should and ought to lies mainly in their level of formality and usage patterns. Both are valuable for expressing advice, expectations, and obligations in English. Learn their use to speak and write more confidently and accurately in all situations.
FAQs on Difference Between Should and Ought To in English Grammar
1. What is the main difference between "should" and "ought to"?
"Should" and "ought to" both express advice or suggestions, but "ought to" is more formal and less common in everyday conversation. "Should" implies a weaker obligation than "must." Think of "ought to" as the more formal cousin of "should."
2. When to use should or ought to?
Use "should" in informal settings for general advice or recommendations. "Ought to" is better suited for more formal writing or situations where a stronger sense of moral obligation is conveyed. Both are used to express what is considered proper or advisable.
3. Is "ought to" more formal than "should"?
Yes, "ought to" is generally considered more formal than "should." It's more common in written English and less frequently used in casual speech. The difference lies in the level of formality and the strength of the suggestion.
4. Can "should" and "ought to" be used interchangeably?
Often, yes. In many cases, they are interchangeable, expressing similar meanings, but "ought to" adds a degree of formality. Consider the context; using "ought to" in informal conversation might sound stiff.
5. What are some examples of "should" and "ought to"?
Here are some examples illustrating the subtle differences:
- Should: You should study harder for the exam.
- Ought to: You ought to respect your elders.
6. Should do vs ought to do?
The difference between "should do" and "ought to do" is primarily one of formality. "Should do" is generally preferred in informal contexts; "ought to do" is more formal and suggests a stronger moral obligation or propriety. Both express advisability or what's considered right.
7. What is the main difference between should and ought to?
The core difference lies in formality. "Should" is used more often in informal contexts, whereas "ought to" carries a more formal tone. Functionally, both express obligation, advice, or recommendation, but "ought to" implies a slightly stronger moral obligation.
8. When should I use "should" instead of "ought to"?
Use "should" in informal situations like conversations with friends or when writing informally. Reserve "ought to" for more formal writing or scenarios where a greater sense of responsibility or correctness is needed. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.
9. What is the difference between must and ought to?
"Must" expresses a stronger obligation or necessity than "ought to." "Must" indicates something is required, while "ought to" implies a recommendation or what is advisable, but not strictly mandatory. The difference is in the level of compulsion.
10. What is the difference between have to and ought to?
"Have to" indicates an external obligation or requirement, often imposed by someone else or circumstances. "Ought to" suggests a moral obligation, recommendation, or what is proper or advisable. "Have to" is about necessity, while "ought to" is more about what's ethically or socially expected.
11. Difference between should and ought to exercises?
Practice exercises focusing on "should" and "ought to" typically involve sentence completion or transformation, testing your understanding of their usage in various contexts. These exercises help solidify your grasp of the nuances of these modal verbs and their appropriate usage in formal and informal situations. Focus on recognizing the level of obligation, recommendation, and formality implied.
