The phrase ‘be ought to’ is a somewhat formal and traditional expression in English that many learners and even native speakers find puzzling. Though it may sound old-fashioned or less common today, understanding ‘be ought to’ is important because it reflects how English conveys obligation, duty, or expectation. This phrase combines the verb ‘be’ with the modal-like expression ‘ought to,’ which itself signals advice or moral duty. Exploring the meaning, usage, and differences from similar expressions helps clarify how ‘be ought to’ functions in English grammar and communication.
What Does ‘Be Ought To’ Mean?
At its core, ‘be ought to’ expresses a sense of obligation, moral duty, or advisability regarding a person or subject. It is a way of saying that someone is expected or required to do something, or that something is the right or proper thing to do. The phrase often implies that the action or state is recommended or considered correct.
To break it down, ‘ought to’ is a modal verb used to indicate obligation or strong advice. When combined with ‘be,’ the phrase ‘be ought to’ essentially means ‘should be’ or ‘is supposed to.’ Although ‘ought to’ is commonly used alone (e.g., ‘You ought to study’), ‘be ought to’ appears in some formal or literary contexts and older forms of English, where it functions similarly but with a slightly different emphasis.
Example:
- ‘He is ought to finish the work by Friday.’ (Meaning: He should or is expected to finish the work by Friday.)
- ‘They are ought to obey the rules.’ (Meaning: They should follow the rules.)
Grammatical Structure and Usage
‘Be ought to’ follows the pattern of the verb ‘be’ conjugated to match the subject, followed by ‘ought to’ and then the base form of the main verb. This makes it distinct from the common modal ‘ought to’ used directly with a subject.
- Subject + am/is/are + ought to + base verb
Example:
- ‘She is ought to arrive early.’
- ‘We are ought to respect others.’
However, this construction is quite rare and somewhat archaic in modern English. Native speakers usually prefer simply ‘ought to’ without the auxiliary ‘be.’
More Common Usage:
- ‘You ought to be careful.’
- ‘He ought to apologize.’
- ‘They ought to finish the project soon.’
Despite this, understanding ‘be ought to’ is valuable for reading older texts, legal documents, or formal writing where the phrase may still appear.
Differences Between ‘Be Ought To’ and ‘Ought To’
It’s important to note that while ‘ought to’ is a modal verb used to express duty or advisability, ‘be ought to’ acts as a periphrastic construction that is not as widely accepted in contemporary grammar. Most modern English guides consider ‘be ought to’ as nonstandard or obsolete, preferring the simpler ‘ought to’ for expressing obligation.
- ‘Ought to’: Directly expresses obligation or advice.
- ‘Be ought to’: Seen more in older English, emphasizing a state of being obliged.
For example, instead of saying ‘He is ought to come,’ it is more natural today to say ‘He ought to come.’
Why Does ‘Be Ought To’ Exist?
Historically, English modal verbs like ‘ought’ did not have all the auxiliary support that modern modals enjoy. The construction ‘be ought to’ helped clarify tense and subject agreement before modern modal forms solidified. Over time, English simplified these forms, and ‘ought to’ alone became the norm.
Similar Expressions and Alternatives
Understanding ‘be ought to’ also involves knowing other ways English speakers express obligation or expectation. Here are some common alternatives:
- Should: ‘You should finish your homework.’
- Have to: ‘She has to attend the meeting.’
- Must: ‘They must follow the safety rules.’
- Be supposed to: ‘He is supposed to arrive at noon.’
Each of these expressions has subtle differences in meaning and formality, but all convey some sense of obligation or expectation similar to ‘be ought to.’
Examples of Similar Usage
- ‘You are supposed to wear a uniform at work.’
- ‘She must submit the report on time.’
- ‘They have to clean the room before leaving.’
- ‘I should call my parents today.’
How to Use ‘Be Ought To’ in Modern English
Since ‘be ought to’ is rare and somewhat old-fashioned, learners and writers should use it cautiously. It can work well if you want to add a formal or historical tone, especially in literature, legal writing, or when mimicking older English styles. However, for everyday conversation and modern writing, ‘ought to’ alone or other modal verbs like ‘should’ or ‘have to’ are more appropriate.
Tips for Using ‘Be Ought To’:
- Use it sparingly and in contexts where formal or archaic language is fitting.
- Pair with simple verbs for clarity (e.g., ‘He is ought to help’).
- Prefer ‘ought to’ alone when speaking or writing informally.
Examples in Sentences
To better understand the phrase, here are sample sentences using ‘be ought to’ and alternatives:
- ‘He is ought to answer the questions honestly.’ (Formal, old-fashioned)
- ‘She ought to know better than to be late.’ (Modern and common)
- ‘They are ought to keep the premises clean.’ (Rare, formal)
- ‘You should study hard for the exam.’ (Everyday use)
- ‘We ought to be more careful with our spending.’ (Common in speech and writing)
The phrase ‘be ought to’ carries the meaning of obligation, duty, or advisability, combining the verb ‘be’ with the modal expression ‘ought to.’ Though historically significant and sometimes found in formal or older English texts, it is largely replaced in contemporary English by the simpler modal ‘ought to’ or other expressions like ‘should’ and ‘have to.’ Understanding ‘be ought to’ helps English learners appreciate the evolution of modal verbs and recognize the nuances of expressing obligation in different contexts.
For effective communication today, it is advisable to favor ‘ought to’ without ‘be,’ unless the goal is to evoke a formal or archaic tone. Mastery of this phrase and its alternatives enriches your command of English, helping you express advice, duty, and expectation clearly and appropriately across various situations.