Difference Between 'Should' and 'Ought To' as Modal Verbs of Obligation
Difference Between 'Should' and 'Ought To' as Modal Verbs of Obligation
Dear teacher, there is an exercise about modal verbs of obligation. Dana needs to explain the difference between 'should' and 'ought to'—Could you lend a hand?
Sophie_Durand
1
Last update: 4 weeks ago
1 answers
Hello, Sophie!
That is a great question! Should" and "ought to" both express advice or obligation, but they differ slightly:
- Formality:
- Should is more common and casual.
- Ought to is more formal and less used in daily conversation.
- Strength:
- Ought to can feel stronger, implying moral duty.
- Negative form:
- Shouldn't is common.
- Ought not to is formal and rare.
Examples:
- You should study more.
- You ought to be more careful.
I hope this helps!
0
Last update: 7 months ago
