When constructing sentences using the modal verb ‘ought to,’ the placement of adverbs can sometimes cause confusion. In the example ‘You ought always to store some food,’ the question arises whether it’s correct to insert ‘always’ between ‘ought’ and ‘to.’ Let’s explore the grammar rules surrounding this construction and understand whether this usage is correct or not.
Understanding ‘ought to’ in English Grammar
‘Ought to’ is a modal verb phrase that expresses obligation, duty, or advisability. In standard English, the structure typically follows the pattern of ‘subject + ought to + verb.’ For example, ‘You ought to eat healthy foods.’ The verb phrase ‘ought to’ is often used without intervening words or adverbs, although certain adverbs may appear for emphasis or modification of the action.
The confusion in the question arises from the position of the adverb ‘always.’ While it’s true that some adverbs can be placed between the modal verb ‘ought’ and the verb ‘to,’ the adverb ‘always’ is often better placed after ‘to’ for smoother flow and better clarity. So, the sentence ‘You ought to always store some food’ might be considered more grammatically conventional than ‘You ought always to store some food.’
Where Should Adverbs Go in ‘ought to’ Construction?
In general, adverbs can modify the verb phrase and be placed in different positions. However, in formal English, adverbs of frequency, like ‘always,’ are typically placed after the verb ‘to.’ For example, ‘She ought to always be kind’ sounds more natural than ‘She ought always to be kind.’
However, this is not a strict rule. In some cases, placing ‘always’ between ‘ought’ and ‘to’ could be seen as a stylistic choice, especially in literary or emphatic contexts. It doesn’t necessarily make the sentence grammatically incorrect but can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned depending on the context.
Examples of Correct Usage
Both of these examples are acceptable, though the first is more common in modern spoken and written English:
- ‘You ought always to be careful when driving.’
- ‘You ought to always be careful when driving.’
The placement of ‘always’ in these examples is a matter of style and preference. In informal contexts, placing ‘always’ after ‘to’ might feel more natural, while placing it before ‘to’ can emphasize the idea more strongly.
Conclusion
While ‘You ought always to store some food’ is not incorrect, the more conventional and widely accepted placement of the adverb would be ‘You ought to always store some food.’ Both structures are understandable, but if you’re aiming for clarity and fluidity in your writing, it’s generally better to position ‘always’ after ‘to.’ Remember, English allows flexibility in word order, but understanding the subtleties of style and context will help improve your sentence construction.
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