〜ことだ should, ought to (advice)
Core meaning - should, ought to (advice)
Form - Verb (dictionary) + ことだ; Verb (ない-form) + ことだ
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Pattern scope
- Use this pattern as a grammar frame: Verb (dictionary) + ことだ; Verb (ない-form) + ことだ.
Do not overextend meaning
- The highlighted form shows the grammar point; other words in the sentence can vary.
Check register and context
- Prefer natural context, and avoid translating word-by-word from English.
For your health, you should go to bed early.
In everyday context, For your health, you should go to bed early.
In real communication, For your health, you should go to bed early.
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