But it should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'But it should be' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to emphasize that something should be different. For example: The weather has been warm lately, but it should be starting to cool down by now.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it should be.

The New York Times

"But it should be fun".

The New York Times

But it should be resisted.

The Economist

But it should be possible.

The Economist

But it should be soon.

Yale University

But it should be a consideration.

The New York Times

But it should be do-able.

The New Yorker

But it should be introduced more quickly.

The New York Times

But it should be good, I think.

Independent

But it should be a one-off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it should be a lot more nuanced than that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "But it should be" to politely express a desired change or expectation, especially when correcting a misunderstanding or suggesting an improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "But it should be" excessively in formal documents; opt for more direct and assertive phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But it should be" serves as a transitional phrase that introduces a contrast or correction to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it typically indicates an expectation, obligation, or a desired state that is different from the current one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

13%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "But it should be" is a grammatically sound phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, commonly used to express a contrast between an existing situation and a desired or expected one. Its prevalence in News & Media and Academia underscores its versatility in expressing expectations and suggestions for improvement. While its usage is widespread, it's important to consider the context and tone, particularly in formal writing, where more direct phrasing might be preferable. The tool's examples and analysis offer valuable insight into effectively integrating this phrase into various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However it ought to be

Replaces 'should' with 'ought to', which implies a sense of moral obligation or correctness.

Nevertheless it needs to be

Emphasizes the necessity of the situation or condition.

Nonetheless it has to be

Highlights that a condition is unavoidable or mandatory.

Yet it is meant to be

Suggests that something is predetermined or destined to happen.

Still it is desirable for it to be

Focuses on the desirability and benefit of a particular state.

Even so it is intended to be

Expresses the planned or expected nature of a state.

Although it may not seem so, it really should be

Adds a layer of contrast, acknowledging a possible contrary appearance.

Regardless, the expectation is that it will be

Highlights the expectation, despite possible obstacles.

Despite appearances, its proper state is to be

Underlines what the proper condition is in spite of what appears to be the case.

Conversely, a better situation would be

Suggests that while things may be bad, something better is possible.

FAQs

How can I use "But it should be" in a sentence?

You can use "But it should be" to express a contrast between the current state and a desired or expected state. For example, "The report isn't finished yet, but it should be by tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "But it should be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "However it ought to be", "Nevertheless it needs to be", or "Nonetheless it has to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Consider using "However it ought to" when implying a moral obligation.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "But it should be"?

Starting a sentence with "But it should be" is grammatically correct, especially when following up on a previous statement to introduce a contrasting expectation or correction.

When is it inappropriate to use "But it should be"?

Avoid using "But it should be" in situations requiring direct and assertive language, such as formal business communications or emergency instructions. More decisive phrasing would be more suitable. For example use "it needs to be" instead.