Should and Ought to

Should and Ought To

'Should' expresses advice, recommendation, expectation, or weak obligation. It is less forceful than 'must' or 'have to'. 'Should have + PP' expresses criticism or regret about a past action. 'Ought to' is similar to 'should' but more formal and less common in everyday use.

Formula

Should — advice

You should back up your data before the update.

Should — expectation

The report should be ready by Friday.

Should have + PP

They should have tested the system before the launch. (they didn't, and it was wrong)

Ought to

All managers ought to complete the leadership training. (formal obligation/duty)

Example Sentences

The team should have backed up the data before the server migration.

You should submit the report by Monday at the latest.

All managers should attend the quarterly review.

The invoice ought to be paid within 30 days.

She should not have forwarded that confidential email.

Should we schedule a follow-up meeting with the client?

Employees should familiarise themselves with the new policy.

The system should process requests in under two seconds.

He ought to have informed the team earlier about the changes.

We should consider the long-term impact before deciding.

Common Mistakes

They should to review the proposal.

They should review the proposal.

After 'should', use the base verb WITHOUT 'to'.

She should has submitted earlier.

She should have submitted earlier.

Past criticism/regret: should + HAVE + past participle.

Luyện tập ngay

2 bài tập tương tác: flashcard, điền từ, sắp xếp câu và tìm lỗi sai.

Đăng nhập để luyện tập