it should read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a suggestion about a text or passage that has already been written. For example, "The printout of the report has a typo. It should read, 'patients' rather than 'paitents'."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Docs are pretty split on whether it should 19, 21, or 25.

Vice

It should go to h4 when...Bf2+ is met by g3.

The Guardian - Sport

If it is liquid and you're packing it in hand luggage it should 100 milliliters (3.4  fl oz) or below.

WikiHow

Thus if you type (cons 1 2) at your Scheme interpreter, it should respond with (1. 2).

Cornell University

Test the pH of the water with pH test strips.[40] It should measure between 5.8 and 6.5.

WikiHow

It should be about 1 to 1⁄ feet (0.3 to 0.5 m) long.

WikiHow

Instead, it should be about 23 per 100,000 and about 8 per 100,000.

Huffington Post

It should probably be 1/2 " to 1" shorter to allow room for the connectors.

WikiHow

Therefore, when R1 encounters R2, it should forward the audio clip p1 to R2.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It should have sold 15,000 to 20,000 tickets, says Terracini, but sold only 10,000 seats across its Sydney and Melbourne seasons combined.

The Guardian - Music

"That it should happen in 19 — no, 2012.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting or suggesting edits to a document, use "it should read" to clearly indicate the intended and accurate phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "it should have read" when you are currently correcting a text. "It should have read" implies a past error that is now being acknowledged, while "it should read" is for present corrections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should read" functions as a modal phrase used to suggest a correction or specify how something ought to be phrased. It implies a recommendation or instruction regarding the content or wording of text, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it should read" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to recommend a correction or clarification. While Ludwig's analysis indicates its correctness, the phrase's frequency of use is currently not high, as reflected in the lack of direct examples in the provided data. However, understanding its function and purpose—to suggest specific phrasing for improved accuracy—makes it a valuable tool in both written and spoken communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context requires a present correction rather than acknowledging a past error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should state

A direct synonym, replacing "read" with "state" to convey the expected content.

it ought to say

Replaces "should" with "ought to", maintaining a sense of expectation or recommendation.

it is meant to say

Indicates the intended meaning or content, suggesting a discrepancy.

it's supposed to say

Indicates an expectation or instruction regarding the content, similar to "should".

the passage should say

Specifies that a particular segment of text needs to be worded in a specific manner

the correct wording is

Focuses on the accuracy of the wording, implying a need for correction.

it's written as

Focuses on the current state of the content, implying a need for revision.

the proper way to phrase it is

Emphasizes the correct way to express something, implying an existing error.

the text should state

A more formal way to indicate the expected content of a written document.

the document must reflect

Highlights the necessity for a text to showcase a certain attribute

FAQs

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

Use "it should read" when you want to suggest a correction or specify how something ought to be phrased. For example, "The sign has a typo; "it should read" 'No Parking'".

What's the difference between "it should read" and "it should have read"?

"It should read" is used for current corrections or suggestions, while "it should have read" refers to a past error. For example, "The original document was incorrect; "it should have read" '50 units', not '15 units'.

Are there more formal alternatives to "it should read"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "the text should state", "the document should reflect", or "the passage should say". These are better suited for academic or professional contexts.

Can I use "it should read" for spoken instructions?

While primarily used for written text, "it should read" can be adapted for spoken instructions. For instance, when dictating something, you might say, "That line "it should read" 'Assemble parts A and B'."