Learn English – ought not to do or ought not do

modal-verbssemi-modals

There are two sources, which contradict each other.

The first one:

Notice "Ought not" Remember that "ought to" loses the "to" in the
negative. Instead of "ought not to," we say "ought not."

The second one:

You say that someone ought not to do something: She ought not to go.

You can also use oughtn’t: She oughtn’t to go.

So, what is correct: ought not to do or ought not do?

Best Answer

The "to" in ought not to is optional in informal non-assertive context, which is particularly associated with negation.

But it's more natural to say She oughtn't to go or just use should, she shouldn't go.


New Fowlers Modern English Usage

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