Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it should state
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it should state" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something needs to be clearly expressed or articulated in a document or statement. Example: "In the report, it should state the objectives clearly to avoid any confusion."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
it must indicate
it is important to note
it should have read
it is designed to handle
it should indicate
the passage should say
it should provide
it should say
it is designed to
it should become
it should include
it should contain
it should prove
it should work
it should do
it should read
it is expected to perform
it should show
it is meant to say
it should take
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
17 human-written examples
It should state what the UK's security aims and interests are.
News & Media
That is, it should state the invariants of the property, but nothing about what the setter, getter, and deleter do.
Academia
It should state clearly that corporate interests in making profits from cigarettes are not sufficient to warrant exemptions from sanctions on state sponsors of terrorism.
News & Media
It should state that the poolside staff is there to help, not protect, and that residents are responsible for anything that occurs.
News & Media
It should state: "The Center for Digital Research and Scholarship, Columbia University Libraries has the permission of ________to use images of ___________in the Women Film Pioneers Project online resource". Source of each image or document is identified in caption.
Academia
I used to tell my students that a scientific paper should never be written like a mystery novel; it should state the important discovery immediately.
Science & Research
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
As Shulamith Rheinharz puts it, they should "state their premises rather than hide them" (1992b, p. 426), unlike the approaches they critique.
Science
The box it came in should state how long you should leave the cream on for (it is generally two minutes).
Wiki
If so, then they should state it as such.
Science
If so, the authors should state it explicitly.
Science
The review document itself should state that it will become part of the personnel file.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it should state", ensure that the subject of 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, begin with "The contract should state..."
Common error
Avoid using "it should state" without clearly defining what "it" refers to. Always specify the document, section, or item that should contain the statement.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it should state" functions as a directive, indicating that a specific piece of information is expected or required to be included in a document or statement. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its prevalent use in formal contexts where clarity and completeness are essential.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
30%
Academia
25%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "it should state" is commonly used to express an expectation or a requirement for the inclusion of specific information within a text. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and applicable across various formal contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and guidelines. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the subject to which "it" refers. While alternatives like "it must indicate" or "it needs to specify" can be used to convey a stronger sense of obligation, "it should state" remains a versatile and reliable choice for expressing expectations in professional communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it needs to specify
Emphasizes a necessity for precise detailing, shifting from a suggestion to a more stringent requirement.
it is required to state
Highlights an obligation to include information, making the requirement more formal and binding.
it must indicate
Conveys a strong necessity for pointing out or showing something clearly.
it is advisable to mention
Suggests a recommendation to include information, framing it as beneficial but not strictly necessary.
it is important to note
Highlights the significance of including certain information, drawing attention to its relevance.
it is crucial to specify
Stresses the critical nature of detailing information, emphasizing that clarity is essential.
it ought to mention
Suggests a moral or logical obligation to include information, implying it's the right thing to do.
it would be best to include
Recommends inclusion for optimal clarity or completeness, framing it as a preferable option.
it is recommended to detail
Suggests a formal recommendation to provide specific information, indicating it is officially advised.
the document should specify
Shifts focus to the document itself while maintaining the sense of obligation to provide details.
FAQs
How can I use "it should state" in a sentence?
Use "it should state" to express a requirement or expectation for information to be included in a document or statement. For example, "The agreement "it should state" the payment terms clearly".
What are some alternatives to "it should state"?
You can use alternatives like "it must indicate", "it needs to specify", or "it is required to state" depending on the context and level of formality.
Is "it should state" formal or informal?
"It should state" is generally considered neutral to formal. For more informal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "it ought to mention" or "it would be best to include".
What is the difference between "it should state" and "it must state"?
"It should state" implies a recommendation or expectation, while "it must state" indicates a stronger obligation or requirement. The choice depends on the level of necessity you want to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested