Marginal Modal Auxiliaries
Quiz
Answer the following grammar questions about the marginal modal auxiliary 'ought to'.
What central modal auxiliary verb is 'ought to' a synonym of?
- should
- would
- could
- might
Which modal verb is commonly considered more formal and typical of written rather than spoken discourse?
- ought to
- should
Which of the two verbs listed below is commonly used with a full infinitive (ie infinitive with 'to')?
- ought
- should
When is it possible to use 'ought' without 'to'?
- In elliptical constructions, eg short answers.
- In any situation because 'to' is used with 'ought' only optionally.
- When fronting the verb 'ought'.
- Never.
What is the correct contracted negative form of 'ought'?
- oughtn't
- outn't
- oughn't
- ougthn't
Where may we freely use the negative contracted form of 'ought'?
- British English only
- American English only
- British and American English both
- nowhere