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"Ought" is an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "deber", and "should" is an auxiliary verb which is also often translated as "deber". Learn more about the difference between "ought" and "should" below.
ought(
at
)
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
auxiliary verb
a. deber (conditional tense)
You ought to see a doctor about that knee.Deberías consultar a un médico por esa rodilla.
a. deber (conditional tense)
Those vegetables ought to be done by now.Esas verduras ya deberían estar cocidas.
a. deber (conditional tense)
You ought not to have taken the book without asking.No deberías haberte llevado el libro sin pedir permiso.
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should(
shood
)
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
auxiliary verb
a. deber
I should go to bed early tonight to be ready to travel tomorrow morning.Debería acostarme temprano esta noche para estar listo para el viaje mañana.
b. tener que
I should have given my parents a call over the weekend.Tenía que haber llamado a mis padres el fin de semana.
a. deber
Where is Simon? He should have finished his homework by now.¿Dónde está Simón? Ya debería haber terminado sus deberes.
a. si
Should any question arise, don't hesitate to contact me.Si surgiera alguna pregunta, no dudes en ponerte en contacto conmigo.
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