all things should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all things should be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations, ideals, or philosophical concepts regarding the nature of things or situations. Example: "In a perfect world, all things should be fair and just for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

All things should be up for debate".

The Guardian

Yes, all things should be as equal as possible.

The New York Times - Sports

"To excel in all things should be your constant aim," Timothy exhorted her.

The New Yorker

Kohut will admit, if reluctantly, that not all things should be commodified.

The Washington Post

It is likewise impossible that all things should be in motion or that some things should be always in motion and the remainder always at rest.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Now we have said before that it is impossible that all things should be at rest: nevertheless we may now repeat that assertion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

All these things should be left to the family of the girls, to make a decision.

The New York Times

"We're not saying that all these things should be done," said Robert Lazaro, a spokesman for the Republicans.

The New York Times

You may not have bothered with fire, smoke or carbon dioxide alarms for yourself but all these things should be in place.

Independent

All those things should be joyous – those toys should be terrific – because the active creative engagement of children with Doctor Who is unlike any other show that they watch.

The Guardian

All these things should be a given for a remote costing as much as a television, but other solutions costing similar amounts fail on this fundamental level.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all things should be", ensure the context clearly defines what 'things' refers to. Avoid ambiguity by being specific about the subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "all things should be" in contexts where specific exceptions exist. Overgeneralizations can lead to inaccurate or misleading statements. Always consider the exceptions before making broad statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all things should be" functions as a modal phrase, expressing a desire, expectation, or ideal state. As illustrated by Ludwig, it is employed to convey how situations or entities ideally ought to exist or behave.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all things should be" expresses a desired or ideal state, functioning as a modal phrase in various contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and general contexts, conveying expectations or normative judgments. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, it's essential to provide a clear context to avoid ambiguity. The analysis indicates that the phrase is most effectively used to express ideals or advocate for improvements, but it is vital to avoid overgeneralization by acknowledging potential exceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything must be

Emphasizes obligation or requirement more strongly than "should".

everything ought to be

Implies a moral or ethical obligation rather than a practical one.

everything needs to be

Focuses on necessity, highlighting a lack if the condition isn't met.

everything is expected to be

Shifts the focus to expectations rather than inherent properties.

everything is supposed to be

Implies an agreement or convention that dictates a certain state.

all matters must be

Replaces "things" with "matters" for a slightly more formal tone.

every aspect ought to be

Replaces "things" with "aspect" to emphasize each individual piece.

all items must be

Replaces "things" with "items" to indicate something tangible.

everything is required to be

Highlights a strict requirement, often in formal or legal contexts.

all elements are expected to be

Shifts the focus to the overall components expected in a system or setup.

FAQs

How can I use "all things should be" in a sentence?

Use "all things should be" to express an ideal or expectation. For example, "In a fair society, "all things should be" equal" expresses the ideal of equality.

What does "all things should be" generally imply?

The phrase ""all things should be"" typically implies a desired state or expectation, often based on fairness, ethics, or an ideal standard.

Is "all things should be" a formal or informal expression?

"All things should be" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the subject matter.

What's a similar phrase to "all things should be"?

A similar phrase is "everything ought to be", which implies a moral or ethical obligation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.