Ought/ɔːt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Expectation Use 'ought to' to express what is expected from someone, subtly different from commanding. You ought to apologize for arriving late. Pro Tip 2/3Soft Criticism 'Ought to' can imply disappointment or critique in someone's actions more gently than direct statements. You really ought to have checked your work. Pro Tip 3/3Moral Obligation It's used for advising based on moral grounds, indicating a sense of duty rather than strict obligation. We ought to help those in need.