'Ought to' phrases can express strong advice, necessity, or expected situations. It is common in spoken and written English to show what is right or necessary.
You ought to know better by now.
They ought to have arrived earlier.
'Ought' can be used to suggest what is a good or sensible thing to do. It helps give advice or recommendations in a polite way.
You ought to try the new restaurant.
He ought to see a doctor soon.
'Ought' shows that something is likely or expected to happen. It is a way to say what we think will happen because it is logical or known.
The train ought to arrive at five.
It ought to rain this evening.
In old or very formal English, 'ought' was once used as the past tense of 'owe'. It means to owe something to someone, but this use is almost never used today.
He ought the money to the bank.
She ought him an answer long ago.
'Ought' can be used in negative questions to ask if something is right or expected. This is formal and less common in everyday speech.
Oughtn't we to leave now?
Ought he not to tell the truth?
