but they should

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but they should" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an expectation or recommendation regarding a subject or group of people. Example: "The team has been performing well, but they should strive for even higher standards in their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they should beware.

The Economist

But they should take care.

The Economist

"But they should be taxed".

The New York Times

But they should think twice.

The Economist

But they should not be.

The Guardian - Opinion

No, but they should notice.

The New York Times - Sports

But they should not be muddled up.

The Economist

But they should now think again.

The Economist

But they should be treated with caution.

The Economist

But they should not count on it.

The Economist

But they should not be discounted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but they should" to introduce a contrasting point or recommendation following a statement of fact or observation. It's effective for gently correcting assumptions or suggesting improvements.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "but they should" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using stronger or more varied phrasing, especially in formal contexts, to avoid monotony. For example, you can replace "but they should" with "however, they ought to" or "nonetheless, they need to" to introduce nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but they should" functions as a transitional phrase introducing a contrasting idea or recommendation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it commonly follows a statement of fact or observation, suggesting an expected or desirable action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but they should" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a contrasting idea, suggestion, or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and commonly found in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its frequency makes it valuable, be mindful of potential overuse, especially in formal writing where alternatives like "however, they ought to" might be more appropriate. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively integrate "but they should" into your writing to provide balanced perspectives and constructive insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, they ought to

Replaces "should" with "ought to", providing a slightly more formal tone.

nonetheless, they need to

Emphasizes the necessity of the action using "need to" instead of "should".

yet, they are advised to

Suggests the action is recommended, replacing "should" with "are advised to".

still, it would be best if they

Introduces a conditional element, suggesting the action is optimal.

even so, they are expected to

Highlights an expectation, substituting "should" with "are expected to".

conversely, they have a responsibility to

Indicates a duty or obligation, replacing "should" with "have a responsibility to".

on the other hand, they must

Implies a requirement, using "must" to convey a stronger sense of obligation.

in contrast, their duty is to

Focuses on a specific duty, offering a more formal and direct alternative.

despite that, it's imperative they

Emphasizes the urgency of the action, replacing "should" with "it's imperative".

however, it is crucial that they

Highlights the critical nature of the action, using "it is crucial" for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "but they should" in a sentence?

Use "but they should" to introduce a counterpoint or suggestion. For example, "The team performed well, but they should focus on improving communication".

What are some alternatives to "but they should"?

Alternatives include "however, they ought to", "nonetheless, they need to", or "still, it would be best if they", depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to use "but they should"?

While grammatically correct, "but they should" might sound too informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider more formal alternatives in those contexts.

What's the difference between "but they should" and "but they must"?

"But they should" suggests a recommendation or expectation, while "but they must" (/s/but+they+must) implies a stronger obligation or requirement. The choice depends on the level of necessity you want to convey.