Modals to express obligation: SHOULD, OUGHT TO

Present and future

Should and ought to + infinitive express obligation and duty. Should is used when we offer a subjective opinion, while ought to has a more general and more objective meaning:

I think you should leave.
We ought to protect the environment.

Past

Should and ought to + perfect infinitive express that an action which was desirable was not performed:

You should have consulted a doctor.
You ought to have told me earlier. Why didn't you tell me?

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