verbs - What is the meaning of "ought not"?


Consider this example:



A few strong branches over water reach for what they ought not reach.



Which of the meanings comes closest to “ought not” in this sentence?
Is it “doesn't have to”, “should not” or “must not”?



Answer



Some might prefer the sentence to have to before reach, but otherwise it is well-formed. It’s impossible to be sure of the meaning out of context. It could be should not or it could be must not, or possibly something else, but not doesn't have to (which would in any case have to be don't have to in order to agree in number with the subject).


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