restraint should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "restraint should be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity or importance of exercising self-control or moderation in a particular situation. Example: "In negotiations, restraint should be exercised to ensure a fair outcome for both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Ideally, a head restraint should be at least as high as the top of a person's ears.

The New York Times

Also, the gap between the back of the head and the front of the restraint should be no more than 4 inches.

The New York Times

Managers, with less legal restraint, should be able to provide some of the information about their employees' roles and their own.

The New York Times

The record of Washington's interventions in the sectarian landscape of Iran and Iraq is so abysmal that the case for restraint should be obvious.

The New Yorker

In determining which criteria courts of this state should apply when deciding whether to issue an antisuit injunction, I agree with the majority that considerations of comity and judicial restraint should be paramount.

Harvard University

Ideally, the top of the restraint should be as high as the top of an occupant's head, or at least as high as the head's center of gravity, which is about 3.5 inches below the top of the head.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

First, this nascent attempt at self-restraint should be seen as a complement to a modernised regulatory regime and more independent corporate boards.

The Guardian - Opinion

The law permitting the use of mechanical restraints should be overturned, Voller said.

The Guardian

Adequate hip restraints should be much larger than current designs and a central handhold should be provided.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

As a result, the government asked the Audit Commission to investigate whether restraints should be placed on local authorities.

The Guardian

14 As early as 1711 it was recognized that only unreasonable restraints should be proscribed, and that partial restrictions could be justified when ancillary to a legitimate business purpose and not unduly anticompetitive in effect.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "restraint should be", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or behavior requires restraint. For example, "In negotiations, "restraint should be" exercised to avoid escalating conflict."

Common error

Avoid using "restraint should be" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "be careful" or "hold back" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "restraint should be" functions as an expression of obligation or recommendation, indicating that exercising self-control or moderation is necessary or advisable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "restraint should be" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey the necessity or advisability of exercising self-control or moderation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in formal contexts such as news, scientific articles, and academic writing. While the phrase is correct, it may not always be appropriate in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives might be preferred. Key considerations for its use include clearly defining the context requiring restraint and avoiding overuse in informal settings. Related phrases such as ""restraint ought to be"" and ""it is important to show restraint"" offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restraint ought to be

Replaces "should" with "ought to", conveying a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability.

restraint must be

Substitutes "should" with "must", indicating a firm requirement or necessity.

restraint needs to be

Replaces "should" with "needs to", emphasizing the necessity of restraint due to a particular need or purpose.

restraint has to be

Similar to "must be", but slightly less formal.

it is important to show restraint

Transforms the phrase into a statement about the importance of restraint.

it is necessary to exercise restraint

Highlights the necessity of actively practicing restraint.

exercising restraint is advisable

Focuses on the advisability of exercising restraint.

showing restraint is recommended

Presents restraint as a recommended course of action.

discretion should be used

Emphasizes the use of discretion as a form of restraint.

moderation should be applied

Highlights the application of moderation as a type of restraint.

FAQs

How can I use "restraint should be" in a sentence?

Use "restraint should be" to express that caution, moderation, or self-control is necessary or advisable in a specific situation. For example, "In discussions, "restraint should be" exercised to ensure everyone feels heard".

What are some alternatives to "restraint should be"?

Alternatives include "restraint ought to be", "restraint must be", or "it is important to show restraint", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to use "restraint should be"?

While grammatically correct, "restraint should be" is more suited to formal writing and discussions. In informal settings, simpler phrases may be more natural.

What does it mean when someone says "restraint should be exercised"?

It means that in a given situation, it is important to practice self-control, caution, or moderation to avoid negative consequences. This is similar to saying "discretion should be used".