it should be something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should be something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or expectation for a particular outcome or idea, often in a vague or unspecified manner. Example: "For the project, it should be something innovative that captures the audience's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should be something.

The New Yorker

It should be something special.

The New York Times

It should be something to sing about.

The New York Times - Food

It should be something else entirely.

The New York Times

So it should be something like this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And it should be something interactive.

The New York Times

It should be something you enjoy doing".

The Guardian

And it should be something you can sustain for years.

Harvard University

It should be something requiring no thought at all.

The New York Times

It should be something that is a given, that's understood.

The Guardian

He felt it should be something big and complex.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it should be something" when you want to express a general expectation or suggestion without being overly specific. This phrase works well when brainstorming ideas or outlining possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "it should be something" excessively in formal contexts. In business or academic writing, opt for more precise language that clearly states your expectations or recommendations. For example, instead of "the proposal should be something innovative", say "the proposal should incorporate innovative approaches to address the problem" to improve clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be something" functions as a modal phrase expressing expectation, suggestion, or possibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in English, typically employed to introduce a general idea without specifying details. For example, "It should be something requiring no thought at all."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it should be something" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing expectations or suggestions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While versatile, it's best suited for general contexts, like news or informal conversation, and should be replaced with more precise language in formal or academic settings. Ludwig examples show how this phrase appears in various situations, with the most common sources being News & Media and WikiHow. When aiming for clarity, remember to use alternative phrases that convey your intended meaning more directly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to be something

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation or advisability; slightly more formal.

it needs to be something

Emphasizes necessity or requirement, rather than suggestion.

it has to be something

Expresses a stronger degree of necessity or obligation than "should".

it would be something

Introduces a hypothetical or conditional element, suggesting a desired outcome.

it could be something

Indicates possibility or potential, rather than a firm expectation.

it might be something

Suggests a lower probability or level of certainty than "could".

it may be something

Similar to "might be", but slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.

it is advisable that it be something

Presents the idea as advice or a recommendation, more formal.

it is recommended that it be something

Similar to "it is advisable that it be", but conveys a stronger sense of endorsement.

it is suggested that it be something

Offers the idea as a suggestion or proposal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it should be something" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it is recommended that it be something", "it is advisable that it be something", or "it needs to be something". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize advisability or necessity.

What's the difference between "it should be something" and "it has to be something"?

"It should be something" suggests a recommendation or expectation, while "it has to be something" indicates a stronger necessity or obligation. The former implies a preference, whereas the latter implies a requirement.

Is "it should be something" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it should be something" may sound too vague for academic writing. It's better to use more precise language that clearly articulates the desired characteristic or outcome. For example, instead of "the analysis should be something comprehensive", state "the analysis should comprehensively examine all relevant factors".

What can I say instead of "it should be something" to indicate possibility?

To indicate possibility, use alternatives like "it could be something" or "it might be something". These options convey a sense of potential rather than expectation.