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How to pronounce Ought

How to Pronounce "Ought"

Definition: How to say "Ought" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ɔːt – pronounced as 'awt'

How to say "Ought" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Ought.

  • Used to indicate duty or obligation
  • Used to indicate what is probable or expected
  • Used to indicate what is desired or ideal
  • Used to express advisability or prudence
  • Used to express propriety or appropriateness

Learn to use Ought correctly with the following examples:

  • You ought to apologize for your mistake.
  • She ought to arrive by noon.
  • We ought to finish this project by the end of the week.
  • He ought to consider the consequences before making a decision.
  • Ought you to be so careless with your belongings?

Nearby words to Ought:

Bought, Taught, Thought, Fought, Caught, Naught, Wrought, Sought, Draught, Haught,

Synonyms for Ought

Should, Must, Need to, Have to, Ought to, Shall, Be obliged to, Be compelled to, Be required to, Be duty-bound to,

Antonyms for Ought

Should not, Must not, Need not, Do not have to, Should never, Ought not to, Be forbidden to, Be prohibited from, Be discouraged from, Be exempt from,

Review Ought
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Tips to improve your pronunciation of ‘Ought’

A few tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Ought‘:

  • Break ‘Ought’ down into each individual sound, say it out loud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently say it without mistakes.
  • Record ‘Ought‘ in a full sentence and then watch or listen back. You’ll be able to mark your mistakes very easily.
  • Find more videos on Youtube for how to pronounce ‘Ought‘ correctly.
  • Focus on a single accent: when you mix multiple accents, it can confuse you, especially for beginners. So select just one accent (US or UK), perhaps US and master that first!


More tips\techniques to boost your pronunciation skills, it’s advised to embrace the following methods:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is normal in the U.S. and is seen as a regular element of casual conversation. For example, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Delve into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for further understanding.

Improving your intonation is crucial for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in conveying your message and feelings. Many resources and videos on Youtube can aid you in learning these aspects to pronounce ‘Ought’.

Engage with several Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is another superb source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they pronounce ‘Ought’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Understanding and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you accurately articulate ‘Ought’.

Consistently speak English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more proficient you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall expressive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of ought to be?

“Ought to be” is a phrase that is used to express an expectation or a belief about something that should happen or be the case. It implies a sense of duty, obligation, or likelihood. When someone says that something “ought to be,” they are suggesting that it is the proper or correct course of action based on social norms, moral standards, or common sense. It can also indicate a strong probability or assumption about a future event or situation. Overall, “ought to be” conveys a sense of what is expected or considered appropriate in a given context.

When should we use the word ‘Ought’?

The word “ought” is a modal verb that is used to indicate duty or obligation. It is typically used to express a moral or ethical obligation, a recommendation, or a strong suggestion. “Ought” is often used to convey a sense of what is the right or proper thing to do in a given situation. It is commonly used in contexts where there is a sense of expectation or necessity, such as in moral judgments, advice, or recommendations. For example, “You ought to apologize for your mistake” or “We ought to help those in need.” In general, “ought” is used to express a sense of duty or moral responsibility, and it is often used in more formal or serious contexts.

Do different English dialects have variations in pronouncing the word ‘Ought’?

Yes, different English dialects do have variations in pronouncing the word ‘ought’. The pronunciation of ‘ought’ can vary based on regional accents and dialects. In some dialects, such as British English, ‘ought’ is pronounced with a long “o” sound, similar to the word “awt”. In American English dialects, the pronunciation may vary, with some speakers using a shorter “o” sound, similar to the word “ot”, while others may use a longer “o” sound. Additionally, within the United States, there are regional variations in the pronunciation of ‘ought’, such as in the Southern dialects where it may be pronounced with a more drawn-out “aw” sound. Overall, the pronunciation of ‘ought’ can differ based on the specific dialect and accent of English being spoken.

What other words in English sound similar to ‘Ought’?

Some other words in English that sound similar to ‘ought’ include ‘naught’ (meaning nothing or zero), ‘taught’ (past tense of teach), ‘bought’ (past tense of buy), ‘fought’ (past tense of fight), ‘thought’ (past tense of think), and ‘sought’ (past tense of seek). These words share the same ‘aw’ sound as ‘ought’ and may be easily confused due to their similar pronunciation.

What do we pronounce ought?

The word “ought” is pronounced as [AWT]. To pronounce it correctly, you can break it down into three sounds: the “aw” sound, the “t” sound, and the short “uh” sound. To pronounce it accurately, say the word slowly and exaggerate each sound until you can consistently produce them in the correct order. The emphasis is on the “aw” sound, followed by a quick “t” at the end. Practice saying the word out loud until you feel comfortable with the pronunciation.

Is there a difference in pronunciation between ‘Ought’ and ‘Aught’?

Yes, there is a difference in pronunciation between ‘ought’ and ‘aught’. ‘Ought’ is pronounced as /ɔːt/, with a long ‘o’ sound like in the word ‘thought’. On the other hand, ‘aught’ is pronounced as /ɔːt/ or /ɑːt/, depending on the dialect. The ‘a’ in ‘aught’ can be pronounced like the ‘o’ in ‘ought’ or the ‘a’ in ‘cat’. Overall, the key difference lies in the initial vowel sound, with ‘ought’ having a more distinct long ‘o’ sound compared to ‘aught’.

In what context would one typically use the word ‘Ought’?

The word ‘ought’ is typically used in the context of expressing a moral obligation, duty, or necessity. It suggests that something is the right or proper course of action based on ethical or social norms. For example, one might say “You ought to apologize for your mistake” to convey that it is the morally correct thing to do. ‘Ought’ is often used to make recommendations, give advice, or suggest what is expected or required in a given situation. It is a word that implies a sense of duty or responsibility, guiding behavior towards what is considered appropriate or fitting in a given circumstance.

Is ought a proper word?

Yes, “ought” is a proper word in the English language. It is classified as a modal verb and is commonly used to express duty, obligation, or advisability. “Ought” is typically followed by the preposition “to” and the base form of a verb. For example, “You ought to study for your exam” or “She ought to apologize for her mistake.” It is a formal and polite way of making suggestions or expressing expectations.

Where does the word ‘Ought’ originate from?

The word “ought” originates from Old English, specifically from the word “ahte,” which means “owed.” Over time, the word evolved and transformed into “ought,” which is used to indicate duty, obligation, or moral imperative. It is commonly used in English to express what is expected or required, especially in a moral or ethical sense. The word “ought” is a modal verb that is used to convey necessity or advisability, and it is often paired with an infinitive verb to express a sense of obligation or desirability. Overall, the word “ought” has deep roots in the English language and continues to be used today to communicate a sense of duty or responsibility.

Can you provide an example sentence using the word ‘Ought’?

Sure! Here is an example sentence using the word ‘ought’: “You ought to finish your homework before watching TV.” In this sentence, ‘ought’ is used to express a sense of obligation or duty, indicating that it is the right thing to do to finish homework before engaging in leisure activities.

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