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Confusing Words in English

Ought vs. Aught


Ought
Definition
Ought is a modal verb that expresses duty, obligation, or correctness, often suggesting what is advisable or expected.
Aught
Definition
Aught is an archaic or literary term that means anything or everything; it can also refer to zero in certain contexts.
Example
  • You ought to apologize for your mistake.
  • We ought to help those in need.
  • She ought to study harder for the upcoming exam.
Example
  • He would do aught for his friends.
  • In the end, they found aught of value in the old chest.
  • The score was aught to begin with, but it quickly changed.