oughtn't

[ awt-nt ]

/ ˈɔt nt /

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contraction of ought not.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

usage note for oughtn't

Marvin takes off his T-shirt and dives into his swimming pool.
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
There was a handy distraction in the Che t-shirt the tourist was wearing while celebrating the death.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind|Brin-Jonathan Butler|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some of Dr. Stephen T. Colbert D.F.A.'s best moments behind the desk.
The Ultimate 'Colbert Report' Supercut|The Daily Beast Video|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He was standing on the corner and wearing only a T-shirt and jeans, and this was 11:30 at night and it was really cold.
Hunt for Iraq Vet After Killing Spree|M.L. Nestel|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Following the pre-recession excess of T-Pain and Akon, hip-hop was in search of greater authenticity.
Future Makes Us Rethink Everything We Thought We Knew About Rap Artists|Luke Hopping|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There'll be heaps uh fun in the Cypress Hills country when they get t' runnin' the whisky-jacks out.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
An with that I laid down on the settee, an felt orful bad, an the more I tho't about it, the wus I felt.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
I've tried to teach lots of folks; an' sum learns quick, an' some don't never learn; it's jest 's 't strikes 'em.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
But ef Jos keeps on, airnin' ez much ez he hez so fur, he's goin' ter pay the Injun part on 't, when he cums.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
It's easy for a prisoner t' slip a note to a friend that happens t' be mountin' guard.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair