What's the meaning of "ought to be doing"?

source: http://www.englishforums.com/English/MeaningOughtDoing/zxjmp/post.htm

Hi, everyone.

I'm studying modals recently. I have a doubt about "ought to be doing". My grammar book says "ought to be doing" means "someone is not doing what he/she is supposed to do" in an affirmative sentence or "someone is doing what he/she isn't supposed to do" in an negative sentence. For example:
He ought not to be spending all his time on the TV. He should study for his exam.
We ought to be wearing seat belts, but we are not.
My question is: Does "ought to be doing" only has this meaning? Could it serve other function as well?
I hope you could tell me if there is any, thank you for your help!

Ought to means should.
Ought not to means should not

You use should or ought to:
1 to say that you expect something to happen
He ought to be here soon.
2 to say that something is morally right
People ought to wear seat belts.
3 when you are giving someone advice
You ought to see a doctor.

It doesn't have to be comparing what we are doing to what we should be doing. "We ought to leave/to be leaving at 10" implies that we probably will leave by then, because of necessity.


source: http://www.english-test.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=95438#95438

Hi everyone,

I praticed some questions of ESL. Here is one of them, and I have a question.

I ought to help you with your shopping because you have a lot of bags.

My question is if native speakers still use "ought to" in their life. Becuase I think "ougtht ot" seems like only for English examinations. I think it's an old term and native speakers never use it anymore. Am I right?Thanks in advnace.

Maggie^^


Maggie,

I'm afraid you're mistaken on this one. "Ought to" is an extremely common usage, although it's frequently used in its reduced form of 'oughta'. 'I ought to get ready for work now' becomes 'I oughta get ready for work (now)'.

Hi Maggie,

I'll second that. I've been using it all my life (well I had to start speaking first). It has that sense of 'should' indicating that's the right thing to do. Of course having said: I ought to do ***, it doesn't always mean that you actually do it!

Alan

Hah, quite true! In fact, if I find myself using the phrase 'I ought to' there's at least a 70% chance I won't be doing it...

It's almost like an excuse or confession.

I ought to _____ (but deep down we all really know I'm probably not going to ever get around to doing it).