Ought to and should — modal auxiliary verbs

Ought to and should are both modal auxiliary verbs that have similar meanings. Let’s take a closer look at these two modal auxiliaries.

Ought to

Used in the present, future and past. We use ‘ought to’ to express or ascertain what is correct.

• You ought not to speak so loudly young lad.
• I ought to make a trip to the United States one day.
• I really ought to have seen him yesterday. (past = ‘ought to’ + present perfect).

Used for advice or recommendations

• You ought to learn how to play the violin, you’d be good at it.
• She oughtn’t to have left her books on the desk.
• You ought to try some of the fresh apple pie I just made.

Used to express what we like or would like to see happen

• Lawyers ought to earn more money for all the hours that they put in.
• I ought to see my father at some point.
• Older people oughtn’t to be sent to a retirement home.

Should

This modal auxiliary is used to express obligation (obligation of a lesser degree than ‘must’ or ‘need to’).

• You shouldn’t go to town dressed like that Jimmy.
• I should really do my taxes at some point.
• They should always wait and look both ways before crossing the road.

We use should to express duty

• People should always be careful with their belongings.
• You should get up early every morning if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.
• You should be the commander-in-chief.

We use should for deduction

• If we’re lucky we should win the race in no time.
• I should be able to come to the party tomorrow around 18h if that’s okay?
• Our colleague isn’t here yet, but he should be arriving shortly.