he should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he should be" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express an obligation, expectation, or recommendation. Here are some examples: 1. He should be more careful with his words. 2. She should be back from her trip soon. 3. We should be arriving at the airport in about an hour. 4. They should be studying for their exams instead of playing video games. 5. He should be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of his background.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He should be tried.

The New York Times

He should be here.

The New York Times

He should be released.

The New York Times

He should be grateful.

The Economist

He should be convicted.

The New York Times

He should be bold.

The Economist

He should be punished".

The New York Times

He should be commended.

The New York Times

He should be beloved.

The New York Times - Sports

He should be applauded.

The New York Times

He should be careful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he should be", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are expressing an obligation, expectation, or a simple possibility. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using the indicative mood after "should be" when the subjunctive mood is required. For example, instead of "It is crucial that he is on time", the correct form is: "It is crucial that "he be" on time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he should be" primarily functions as a modal phrase, expressing an obligation, expectation, or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he should be" is a versatile and grammatically correct modal phrase widely used to express obligation, expectation, or recommendation. As Ludwig AI indicates, its applications range from stating opinions to providing directives. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While alternatives like "he ought to be" or "he is expected to be" exist, "he should be" remains a common and clear choice for expressing advisability or expectation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he ought to be

Replaces "should" with "ought to", conveying a similar sense of obligation or advisability.

he must be

Conveys a sense of necessity or strong likelihood.

he has to be

Indicates an obligation or requirement.

he is expected to be

Focuses on the expectation of his future state or presence.

he is supposed to be

Suggests an expectation or plan for a certain action or state.

he is required to be

Indicates a requirement or obligation for a certain state or action.

it is recommended that he be

Highlights the recommendation for a certain action or state.

it is essential that he be

Emphasizes the essential nature of a certain state or action.

it would be best if he were

Suggests that a specific action or state is the most favorable option.

it is advisable for him to be

Emphasizes the advisability of his presence or state, making it more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "he should be" in a sentence?

The phrase "he should be" expresses obligation, expectation, or recommendation. For example, "He should be more careful with his words", "She should be back from her trip soon", or "We should be arriving at the airport soon".

What's the difference between "he should be" and "he must be"?

"He should be" suggests advisability or expectation, while "he must be" implies necessity or a strong degree of certainty. For example, "He should be here by now" suggests an expectation, while "he must be the culprit" suggests strong belief based on evidence.

Which is correct, "he should be going" or "he should go"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "He should go" expresses a general recommendation. "He should be going" implies a continuous or ongoing action is advisable or expected. It can also mean he should start going now.

What are some alternatives to "he should be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "he ought to be", "he is expected to be", or "it is advisable for him to be". Each alternative shifts the emphasis slightly, from obligation to expectation to formal recommendation.