I. Obligation (advisability, desirability)

You ought to help your parents.

You ought to see a doctor.

We ought to be getting home.

II. Criticism of a Past Action.

You ought to have warned me.

You oughtn’t to have made a scene before us.

III. Supposition implying strong probability.

He ought to be at home now.

Land ought to be very dear here.

Exercise 1.

Translate the following sentences with the modal verb ‘ought’ denoting obligation or advisability.

1. There is something else which I think you ought to know. It may, or may not have a serious connection with what I have been telling you. (Went.)

2. “She ought to see a doctor,” said Mrs. Field in her most decided voice. (Went.)

3. He looked at his watch. “Yes,” said Bridget, “we ought to be getting home.” (A.Chr.)

4. Charles is a real Jack of all-trades. You ought to hear him play a musical instrument. (O’Hara)

5. I think you are right. I think we ought to try and do something together. (Banks)

6. I bought a machine that wakes you up with music and pours out hot coffee. You ought to get one. (Donl.)

7. This is for your own good, Smithy, and you ought to know. (Donl.)

8. “There is something in your mind,” said Ira. “Is it something I ought to know?” (O’Hara)

9. You ought to take a look around and see how this place is built. No nails in the timbering. (O’Hara)

10. There is in writers a feeling that the public ought to like what they write. (S.M.)

Exercise 2.

Translate the following sentences with the modal verb ‘ought’ denoting a desirable action, which was not carried out, or criticism of a past action.

1. I am afraid it’s my fault. I oughtn’t to have got that blue dress, but it was so becoming and just right for the evening. (Went.)

2. He ought to have sent her back to her own country. (S.M.)

3. Marlene, you ought to have warned me. (Arden)

4. I ought to have left you at home and that’s the fact. I ought to have known it wasn’t any good expecting you to play up. (Went.)

5. I had already fulfilled my function, and I ought to have stayed away. (Arden.)

6. I am a selfish ass. I ought to have come over first and got the place decently ready for you. (Cr.)

7. She ought to have known her own mind; no dependable woman makes these mistakes. (Galsw.)

8. Pearl: “You really oughtn’t to have made a scene before Harry Bleane.” (S.M.)

9. I shall be glad to go back. Perhaps I ought never to have come. (S.M.)

10. He ought perhaps to have put a spoke in the wheel of their marriage; they were too young. (Galsw.)

Exercise 3.

Translate the following sentences with the verb ‘ought’ denoting supposition implying strong probability.

1. If you can’t get the Buick started, call the sub-station. But this fellow ought to be able to fix it, whatever it is. (O’Hara)

2. We ought to have a grand time this evening. Hampton’s a good chap. (Cr.)

3. Quite a lot of people come to congratulate her. She ought to be very happy. (Galsw.)

4. “Land ought to be very dear about there,” he said. (Galsw.)

5. I guess if I go to and fro hustling them, they ought to get busy. (A.Chr.)

6. Funny, isn’t it? The sort of thing that ought to give you a hearty laugh. (A.Chr.)

7. Prices ought to come down soon

Exercise 4.

Translate into Russian and comment on the meaning of the verb ‘ought’.

1. You are a big boy and you ought to look after your little brother when your mother is out.

2. I think you ought to write the answer at once.

3. They ought to have done all the exercises to this lesson already.

4. You ought to have finished all the arrangements for your trip.

5. They ought not to have told her about it.

6. Mary ought not to have packed her son’s toys. He ought to do it himself.

7. You ought to have known that he usually leaves for his office at 8.

8. It is already 10 o’clock, you ought to go to bed.

9. They ought to have come long ago. I don’t know what has happened to them.

10. You can’t change anything; so you ought to put up with it.

11. He left that he ought to do something about it without any delay.

Exercise 5.

State the meaning of the verb ‘ought’ in the following sentences. Translate them into Russian.

1. He ought to have known; he ought to have given them warning. (Galsw.)

2. “I think dear,” she said, “we ought to find the little path that escaped us last night.” (Law.)

3. I ought never to have left the house. I shall return there at once. (P.W.)

4. “When are we going to get married, Allie?” She answered him in a soft, trembling voice. “I don’t know. I think we ought to wait. ” (Went.)

5. She ought to know the truth because it’s the truth. (S.M.)

6. Oh, then, I suppose I oughtn’t to have told you! (Galsw.)

7. I want to tell Constance something she ought to know. (S.M.)

8. Just imagine him taking all that stuff seriously. He ought to have known I didn’t mean it. (P.W.)

9. I suppose he’s the kind of chap I really need. I ought to have talked to him on the subject. (A.Chr.)

10. All the same I think you ought to apologize to the lady. (Brod.)

11. Nicky, we ought to go back. (Went.)

12. The sun streamed into my room, and I said, “It’s a sin not to get up on a morning like this,” and the more I said I ought to get up, the more delightful I found to be in bed. (S.M.)

13. I think you ought to write to his mother, Bessie. It would be a graceful attention. (S.M.)

Exercise 6.

Translate the following sentences paying attention to the form of the infinitive after the modal verb ‘ought’.

1. As she was wondering what she ought to do, she saw Mr. Quill turn towards her. (Brod.)

2. She had taken the trouble to arrive early, and surely ought to be rewarded for this. (Murd.)

3. Mrs. Hitchcock: “She ought to be told. She’s got a right to know.” Musgrave: “Go along then and tell her.” (Arden)

4. The hot tea had done her good. Things are always worse on an empty stomach. She ought to have eaten some breakfast, … (Went.)

5. You’re an architect; you ought to know all about statues and things. (Galsw.)

6. They ought to have run away together seven years ago. They ought never to have let Winifred Graham drive them apart. (Went.)

7. He felt that her friends ought to be chosen for her. (Galsw.)

8. But I’ll tell you, I oughtn’t to be talking … (Arden)

9. Don’t I think I’m interfering, but I think you ought to speak to that girl of yours. (A. Chr.)

10. I had a little chat with Mr. Martin this morning. I ought to have told you, but it slipped my memory. (Went.)

11. Yes, yes, but Poirot, surely we ought to be making arrangements. (A.Chr.)

Exercise 7.

Read the situations given below. Ask your friends to say what Peter is required to do (use the modal verb “ought”). Give as many different suggestions as possible.

Model:

Peter fell ill and missed many lessons. He is behind the group.

A: We ought to help him.

B: He ought to work hard now is order to catch up with the group.

C: We ought to assist him in every way we can.

1. Peter has a suggestion to make.

2. Peter reads very little.

3. Peter has low marks in English.

4. Peter doesn’t feel well.

5. Peter is very nervous and excited.

6. Peter is short –sighted.

7. Peter is expecting visitors tonight.

8. Peter was caught in the rain and is wet to the bone.

9. The doctor says that Peter is seriously ill.

10. Peter is dead pale and worn-out.

11. Peter is not a backward student, but his vocabulary is very poor.

12. Peter can very easily become one of our best students.

Exercise 8.

Criticize the actions mentioned in the following sentences.

Model:

1) She did not write to thank them.

She ought to have written.

2) She was wearing her best hat and it was ruined.

She ought not to have worn it.

1. I took Mother’s favourite cup to measure the sugar and broke it.

2. I spoke too fast I’m afraid. The children did not quite follow what I was saying.

3. I did not explain where I could be reached in case of emergency.

4. He did not even count the money. Just slipped it into the bag.

5. I’m afraid I forgot to type a letter.

6. She did not work enough. She’s quite a bright child really.

7. We did not realise it was so grave.

8. The children did not eat any lunch. They were so excited.

9. He did not help his best friend in the lurch.

10. They refused to assist him.

Exercise 9.

Refer the following sentences to the past. Change the context if necessary.

Model:

You ought to give this plan a serious thought. It is well worth considering.

You ought to have given this plan a serious thought. It was well worth considering.

1. We ought to take this room for summer. It has a southern exposure.

2. You ought to speak at the meeting. You are in favour of this proposal.

3. He ought to use the books he has at home. He can’t go out yet.

4. You ought to put your things where they belong. Then you will never have to look for them.

5. Mary ought to go and see Peter immediately. He is ill and all alone in the flat.

Exercise 10.

Complete the following sentences.

1. In her correspondence with Manson Mrs. Page concealed the fact that Dr. Page was not fit for work though she … .

2. Instead of saying those rude words which insulted your friends you … .

3. You overlooked the question of vital importance and it caused us so much trouble. You … .

4. Instead of tossing and turning through the long restless night you … .

5. Instead of thrusting his trouble upon his friends he … .

6. Instead of complying with that queer request … .

7. Your friend knew that she was in the wrong but she persisted in arguing with us. She … .

8. Instead of making fun of your friends you … .

9. Instead of spending the whole day indoors the children … .

Exercise 11.

Make sentences around key-words with ‘ought’ expressing supposition, as at the right.

arrive start find see come

They left at nine, so they ought to arrive soon. They left at nine, so they ought to have arrived by now.

Exercise 12.

Recast the following sentences. Instead of modal words expressing supposition use ‘ought + Infinitive’.

Model:

Probably she is at home by now.

She ought to be at home by now.

1. If you hurry up you will probably catch up with them.

2. I suppose the weather will continue fine.

3. I believe the book is still on sale, it came out only a few days ago.

4. In all probability the match will be called off, it’s raining fast.

5. Now that I’m snowed under with work I hope she won’t lay claims on my time.

6. I suppose there will be many mistakes in the test.

7. Probably they will make a good couple.

8. Evidently she is very fond of children.

Exercise 13.

Read each sentences as it stands, then change the form of the Infinitive. Make other necessary changes.

1. You ought to find the book on the top shelf.

2. You ought to find the keys in your overcoat pocket.

3. You ought to see him when you get there.

4. This ought to be the book you’re looking for.

5. The girl at the Information Desk ought to know what time the next train leaves.

6. Pete ought to be the one to win the prize.

Exercise 14.

Complete the following sentences using ‘should’ or ‘ought’ to express supposition.

1. The house is quite near by, it …

2. Their wedding is going to take place very soon, it …

3. If you are looking for Ann, she …

4. Open the drawer, the papers …

5. Try to ring up John, he …

6. Nick has been working most diligently all the time, he …

Exercise 15.

Read the following two-line dialogues and pattern your own on these.

1. – Have you ever met Nick?

- Yes, I know him very well. You ought to find him a pleasant companion.

2. – Someone is coming up the path to the house.

- That ought to be the postman.

3. - Did you tell her that Petrov had been elected chairman?

- No need to do that. She ought to have heard the news by now.

Exercise 16.

Open the brackets using the appropriate form of the Infinitive. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. It is 6 o’clock. They ought (to leave) already.

2. You are a big girl and you ought (to tidy up) your room yourself.

3. It was he who ought (to arrange) their trip. But he failed to do it.

4. They ought (to warn) their mother that they would return home late.

5. The pupils ought (to keep) their classroom clean.

6. You ought (to apologize) for having been so rude to her. She is offended.

7. You may be sure that he will do what he ought (to do).

8. You ought (to show) respect for old people.

9. She ought (to write) to her parents as soon as she arrived in Moscow.

10. You ought (to write) to your mother at least once a week so that she should not worry.

Exercise 17.

Combine the modal verb ‘ought’ with the appropriate form of the Infinitive in brackets.

1. His face had misled me into thinking him a family servant. I ought (to look) only at the clothes, which were blue and blazing, and which he clutched with a blue-veined hand. (Forst.)

2. I never liked him. Of course he was my brother-in-law, and I made the best of it. Did you think him a gentleman? She ought never (to marry) him. (S.M.)

3. He said abruptly: “You were right. It was enteric. I ought (to shoot) for not recognizing it.” (Cr.)

4. Andrew felt he ought (to convince). (Cr.)

5. I am going to do what we ought (to do) a week ago. (A. Chr.)

6. Don’t you think we ought (to start)? (S.M.)

7. Ann is getting very shaky, she ought (to have) a doctor. (Galsw.)

8. People ought (to know) things. I consider it my duty to tell them. (A.Chr.)

9. I think, Miss Larson, that there is something you ought (to tell). (A.Chr.)

10. … Mr. Garfied ought never (to let) him go off alone the way he did. He should have gone with him (A. Chr.)

11. She looked up at him. “Anything more? I ought (to go) now.” (A. Chr.)

12. It beats me now how I could have been such a hesitating fool! I ought (to realize) that there was no time to lose. I ought (to go) to Amyas straight away and warned him. (A. Chr.)

13. I suppose a doctor ought (to see) her tomorrow just to see she’s getting on all right. (A.Chr.)

Exercise 18.

Complete the following sentences using the modal verb ‘ought’.

1. You are looking poorly today, I can tell. You … .

2. He looked at his watch and said, “I think … .”

3. He doesn’t know the truth. You … .

4. I didn’t mean to offend him. I … .

5. Your child looks pale and tired after that trip. I think … .

6. You must not conceal these facts from her. She … .

7. Don’t think that I am interfering but … .

8. He is a real bore. He spoiled our trip. We … .

9. It’s all my fault. I …

10. It’s raining cats and dogs today. You … .

11. It’s getting dark. Your children have not returned from the forest. You …

12. He could have stayed for supper. There was no need for him to go to the hotel. I … .

Exercise 19.

Translate into English.

1. Вам следует извиниться сейчас же перед вашей мамой.

2. Вам не следовало торопиться давать обещание. Надо было хорошенько подумать.

3. Ему не следовало говорить с ней таким тоном. Она очень обидчива.

4. Вам следовало погладить эти вещи до того, как они высохли.

5. Мне следовало ожидать, что они опоздают. Они и раньше опаздывали.

6. Вам следовало подождать еще минут десять, и вы бы встретили их.

7. Студентам следовало прийти в институт пораньше.

8. Вы с ней учитесь три года, и вам следует знать, что она никогда не лжет.

9. Уже 7 часов. Он, вероятно, скоро вернется.

10. Раз вы ее не застали дома, вам надо было оставить ей записку.

11. Все следует сделать так, как сказал учитель.

12. Вам следует позвонить ей и все рассказать.

13. Им следовало написать обо всем в институт.

14. Какая сегодня чудесная погода. Мы, наверное, хорошо проведем день за городом.

Exercise 20.

Translate into English.

1. Вам следует чаще навещать ее. Она очень скучает без вас.

2. Вам нужно было пользоваться словарем, вы сделали много орфографических ошибок.

3. Эта болезнь заразная. Ребенка следует изолировать.

4. Завтра, вероятно, будет хорошая погода.

5. Вы должны быть более внимательны и осторожны.

6. Вам нужно было объяснить ей, что она была неправа.

7. Вы должны знать, что существует много эффективных путей изучения иностранных языков.

8. Вам нужно проверить этот перевод еще раз.

9. Я знаю, что я не должен был делать это.

10. Вам не следовало говорить такие вещи в ее присутствии.

11. Вы должны заняться своими делами.

12. Мне следовало бы знать, что ваши слова обидят его.

13. Тебе следует почаще писать своим родителям.

14. Земля здесь неплодородная, но цветы, по-видимому, вырастут.

15. Тебе бы следовало выбрать более подходящее время для разговоров.

16. Я должна примириться с этим.

17. Я должна была поздравить его вчера, но совсем забыла о его дне рождения.

18. Я считаю, что мне следует сказать им всю правду.

19. Мне не следовало ссориться с ним по таким пустякам.

Exercise 21.

Read this anecdote about Mark Twain. Dramatize it.

Mark Twain was visiting one of his friends, and the host led the humorist into his library.

“There ,” he said, as he pointed to a bust of white marble. “What do you think of that?” It was a bust of a young woman combing her hair – a graceful example of Italian sculpture.

Mark Twain looked at it for a moment – then said:

“It isn’t true to nature.”

“Why not?” asked his friend.

“She ought to have her mouth full of hairpins.”