it should

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an expectation, recommendation, or obligation regarding something that is anticipated to happen or be done. Example: "The report is due tomorrow, and it should be submitted by 5 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should be ours.

The New Yorker

It should be absurd.

The New York Times

It should be intuitive.

The Economist

"It should be embraced".

The New York Times

It should get it.

The Economist

It should look soft.

The New York Times

It should be fashionable.

Independent

Maybe it should have".

The New Yorker

It should be protected.

The New York Times

It should unmould easily.

Independent

It should be rescinded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it should", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are expressing an expectation, a recommendation, or an obligation. Ambiguity can weaken your message.

Common error

Avoid using "it should" excessively in conditional sentences where a more direct construction would be clearer. For instance, instead of "If it should rain, we will cancel the picnic", prefer "If it rains, we will cancel the picnic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should" functions as an auxiliary phrase expressing expectation, suggestion, or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable presence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it should" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey expectation, recommendation, or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in various contexts, primarily in news and media. When writing, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to express and consider alternatives like "it ought to" or "it is recommended that" for more formal or precise communication. Avoid overuse in conditional sentences for clearer expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to

A more formal synonym expressing obligation or advisability.

it is advisable to

Highlights the recommended nature of the action.

it is recommended that

Emphasizes that the action is being suggested by an authority or guideline.

it's expected to

Focuses on the anticipation of a certain outcome or behavior.

it is imperative that

Indicates a high level of necessity or urgency.

it is crucial to

Stresses the importance of the action for achieving a specific goal.

it's important to

Highlights the significance of the action, though perhaps less forcefully than "crucial".

it would be best to

Suggests the most favorable course of action among multiple options.

it is desirable to

Indicates that the action would lead to a positive or preferred outcome.

consideration should be given to

Emphasizes the need to thoughtfully evaluate the action's merits.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it should" is used to express expectation, recommendation or mild obligation. For example, "The package should arrive tomorrow" or "it should be ready by now".

What are some alternatives to "it should"?

Alternatives to "it should" include "it ought to", "it is expected to", or "it is recommended that", depending on whether you wish to convey obligation, expectation, or advisability.

Is "it should" formal or informal?

"It should" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, alternatives like "it is advisable to" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "it should" and "it must"?

"It should" expresses a recommendation or expectation, while "it must" expresses a stronger obligation or necessity. For example, "The report should be submitted by Friday" suggests a preferred deadline, whereas "The report must be submitted by Friday" implies a non-negotiable requirement.