ことだ
Meanings
- Should
- Ought to
About this pattern
Explanation
ことだ used after the plain form of a verb to give strong advice or a near-strong recommendation. It expresses what is considered appropriate or expected in a given situation. It’s more assertive than everyday advice, and can sound like a personal rule or a clear expectation. It’s typically used in talking about what one should do in a given circumstance or what is advisable to do, often in a slightly formal or instructional tone.
Learn in context
Example sentences
Make sure to submit the report by tomorrow.
You should exercise every day for your health.
When in doubt, refer to other people's opinions.
Do not fear failure; keep challenging yourself.
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More N3 patterns
It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X
View detailsIt would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...
View detailsduring; while; throughout; in the process of
View detailswhile; during; between; in the period of
View detailsDuring the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens
View detailsbefore it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...
View details