as they should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they should be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is in the expected or appropriate state or condition. Example: "The documents were organized neatly, as they should be, to ensure easy access for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As they should be.

The New York Times

Things are moving as they should be".

The New York Times

"Various buildings weren't designed as well as they should be.

The New York Times

More specifically, are they as red as they should be?

The New York Times

But the Americans are favored, as they should be.

The New Yorker

THE small-producer Champagnes are much as they should be.

The New York Times - Food

"Things are not as they should be," she writes.

The Guardian - Books

Things, for the moment, were as they should be.

The New York Times - Magazine

They still aren't regulated as they should be.

The Guardian

The Tories will be uncomfortable, as they should be.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were proud of him--as they should be.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as they should be", ensure that the context clearly establishes the expected or ideal state. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "as they should be" when the expected or ideal state is subjective or unclear. The phrase's effectiveness relies on a shared understanding of what constitutes the 'should be' condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they should be" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express that something is in the expected or correct state. Ludwig AI shows many examples of its usage in diverse contexts to affirm that a certain condition aligns with a predefined standard or expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they should be" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is in the expected or appropriate state. Ludwig AI validates that is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. Its neutral to slightly formal tone makes it suitable for diverse communication styles. Employ it to convey agreement, satisfaction, or approval when conditions align with established norms. When aiming for greater formality, consider alternatives like "as it ought to be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as expected

Expresses the fulfillment of a prior anticipation or prediction; lacks the nuance of implied correctness.

rightly so

A more emphatic way of saying something is correct or justified, often used to express strong agreement.

as it ought to be

A more formal way of expressing that something is in the correct or desired state.

according to plan

Indicates that events are unfolding in a predetermined manner, focusing on process rather than inherent suitability.

by all rights

Emphasizes that something is justly or rightfully so, adding a moral or legal dimension.

as is fitting

Emphasizes the appropriateness of something in a given context, implying a sense of decorum or suitability.

justly so

Highlights the fairness or righteousness of a situation, often used to express agreement or approval.

in its proper order

Focuses on the correct arrangement or sequence of things rather than their general state.

in the natural order

Implies alignment with a broader sense of inherent correctness or universal principles.

all things considered

Acknowledges complexities but ultimately affirms the correctness or appropriateness of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "as they should be" in a sentence?

You can use "as they should be" to express that something is in the expected or appropriate state. For example: "The documents were organized neatly, "as they should be", to ensure easy access for everyone."

What's a more formal alternative to "as they should be"?

Alternatives with a more formal tone include "as it ought to be" or "as is fitting", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated register.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "as they should be"?

While grammatically correct, "as they should be" can be inappropriate if the 'should be' condition is unclear or subjective. It's most effective when there's a shared understanding of the expected state.

What is the nuance that "as they should be" adds to a sentence?

"As they should be" implies not only that something meets expectations but also that it aligns with a sense of order, correctness, or justice. It goes beyond simple anticipation to suggest inherent rightness.