it should be discouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should be discouraged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising against a particular action or behavior that is deemed undesirable or inappropriate. Example: "While some may find it entertaining, excessive screen time for children should be discouraged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The type of rent seeking the article describes is common and the author is correct that it should be discouraged.

University of California, Berkeley

Spitting is a nasty habit that should be discouraged – and it should be discouraged by the clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

I am not saying that it should be impossible for educated foreign professionals to work in the United States, just that it should be discouraged.

The New York Times

In a Pew Research Center survey of Mormons conducted last fall, 25 percent said homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 65 percent said it should be discouraged.

The New York Times

The poll found that 45percentt of American Muslims thought homosexuality should be accepted and 47 percent thought it should be discouraged.

The Washington Post

He said: "In my view it is most unlikely that this is feasible and even if it is, it should be discouraged.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

There are three standard criticisms of the program: It is a subsidy to low-wage employers, and low-wage employers should be discouraged; it penalizes working-class two-earner families; and it is overly bureaucratic and complicated.

The New York Times

Whether or not Citi's behavior was illegal, it is clearly behavior that should be discouraged.

The New York Times

And those who don't need in vitro fertilization but want it just for sex selection "should be discouraged," the group says.

The New York Times - Health

While many of these dieting practices in weight-class sports are unhealthy and should be discouraged, it is also important to recognize that many high level weight-class athletes do not suffer from a true, psychopathological eating disorder.

Plosone

It suggests that in principle loans should be discouraged because they "encourage dependency on the benefit system".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it should be discouraged", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it should be discouraged" in casual conversations; opt for simpler phrases like "it's not a good idea" or "better not to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be discouraged" functions as a means of expressing disapproval or recommending against a particular action, behavior, or practice. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse topics, from discouraging rent-seeking to discouraging certain medical practices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it should be discouraged" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express disapproval or recommend against a particular action or behavior. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a slightly more formal tone. While not extremely frequent, this phrase effectively conveys the need for caution or prevention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. For less formal situations, consider using alternative phrases like "it's not a good idea".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to be avoided

Emphasizes advisability of avoidance; more formal.

it should be avoided if possible

Expresses the suggestion to avoid if the situation makes it possible.

it is advisable to refrain from it

Presents refraining as prudent; highly formal.

it is preferable to avoid it

Expresses the choice to avoid as the more attractive one.

it is not recommended

Offers a formal, professional recommendation against it.

it must be deterred

Highlights need to prevent something; stronger emphasis.

it needs to be dissuaded

Focuses on convincing someone not to do something.

it's best to steer clear of it

Recommends avoiding a subject, thing or situation to ensure things go smoothly.

it is a bad idea

Highlights an idea to be a dangerous decision.

it would be unwise

Expresses a lack of wisdom to make a decision.

FAQs

What does "it should be discouraged" mean?

The phrase "it should be discouraged" means that something is not recommended or advisable and efforts should be made to prevent it from happening or being practiced.

When is it appropriate to use "it should be discouraged"?

It's appropriate to use "it should be discouraged" when you want to advise against a particular action or behavior in a formal or semi-formal context. For more casual situations, consider using alternatives like "it's not a good idea".

What are some alternatives to "it should be discouraged"?

Some alternatives include "it ought to be avoided", "it is not recommended", or "it must be deterred", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it should be discouraged" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it should be discouraged" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for forming passive voice constructions with modal verbs.