it should contain

USAGE SUMMARY

"it should contain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are making a suggestion regarding what something should include. For example: "This plan should contain specific steps and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it should contain also many papers by other authors.

University of California, Berkeley

It should contain only a few important numbers.

The New York Times

It should contain an overall approach to operation and maintenance of the system.

Practical SCADA for Industry

If carefully crafted, it should contain language similar to that of the oil-for-food resolution.

The New York Times

It covers the benefits of it being available; what it should contain; and why on-line delivery is required.

Measurement

Republicans, also a reasonably sized minority, would argue that it should contain no reference to the monarchy.

The Guardian

Or that it should contain the line "The tomato and I lay next to each other in disgrace".

The New York Times - Books

We asked them whether they thought such a centralised course would be useful, and if so what it should contain.

The Guardian

It should contain an API for application development and should be extensible for adding new input methods.

Princeton University

I think it should contain serious penalties for companies that are purposely hiring undocumented workers and taking advantage of them.

The New York Times

If there is such a program, this Article suggests which characteristics it should contain to optimize results and avoid adverse effects.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it should contain", ensure the subject (the 'it') is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It should contain instructions", specify: "The manual should contain instructions."

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses with "it should contain" together, as this can lead to convoluted and unclear writing. Break down complex sentences into simpler, more direct statements for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should contain" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a recommendation, expectation, or requirement regarding the inclusion of specific elements. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

22%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it should contain" is a versatile expression used to convey recommendations or requirements about the inclusion of specific elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, academia, and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, the specific context can subtly shift its meaning, ranging from a gentle suggestion to a firm expectation. Remember to clearly define the subject ('it') and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it ought to include" or "it must incorporate". By varying your language and ensuring contextual clarity, you can effectively use "it should contain" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to include

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a slightly stronger sense of obligation or expectation.

it needs to have

Substitutes "contain" with "have", focusing on possession rather than composition.

it is required to include

Emphasizes the necessity of inclusion, making it a formal requirement.

it must incorporate

Replaces "contain" with "incorporate", suggesting a more integrated or essential inclusion.

it is advisable to have

Indicates that inclusion is recommended for a better outcome.

it would benefit from including

Highlights the advantage of inclusion, suggesting an improvement.

it is expected to feature

Focuses on what the subject is anticipated to showcase or present.

it is important to add

Emphasizes the significance of adding specific elements.

it is essential that it has

Stresses the critical nature of the inclusion of certain components.

it would be incomplete without

Indicates that the absence of something would render the subject unfinished or lacking.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it is required to include", "it must incorporate", or "it ought to include".

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

"It should contain" suggests a recommendation or expectation, while "it must contain" implies a requirement or necessity. The latter carries a stronger sense of obligation.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it should contain"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "it should contain" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing your ideas.

What are some less common alternatives to "it should contain"?

Less frequent but still valid options include "it would benefit from including" or "it is advisable to have", depending on the nuance you want to convey.