shall be used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall be used" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal or legal contexts to indicate that something is required or mandated to be utilized. Example: "All safety equipment shall be used at all times to ensure the well-being of all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No excessive force shall be used.

Cornell University

Actual crop yields shall be used to determine production.

Cornell University

The following test apparatus shall be used for the test.

Cornell University

In such cases, Tier 2 shall be used.

Cornell University

A direct reading gas monitor shall be used.

Cornell University

Extreme caution shall be used when handling needles and syringes.

Cornell University

Extinguishing plates shall be used to extinguish afterglow.

Cornell University

(1) Equations 4 and 5 shall be used.

Cornell University

Your Commissioned Contribution shall be used for editorial purposes as we see fit.

The Guardian

Your Contribution shall be used for editorial purposes as we see fit.

The Guardian

No trademark of CoreLogic shall be used without the express written consent of CoreLogic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal and formal writing, use "shall be used" to clearly indicate a mandatory requirement. This ensures that the intended action is not merely suggested, but strictly enforced.

Common error

Avoid using "shall be used" in informal or conversational writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "will be used" or "should be used" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall be used" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating a future action with a strong sense of obligation or requirement. Ludwig examples show its usage in legal, regulatory, and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

44%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall be used" is a formal construction indicating a mandatory future action, primarily found in legal, regulatory, and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While it effectively conveys obligation, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "must be used" or "is required to be used" can be considered based on the desired nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be used

Replaces "shall" with "must", indicating a strong obligation or requirement. This alternative conveys a similar sense of necessity.

is required to be used

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the action, making the requirement more explicit. The change consists in a longer form.

is to be used

Indicates a future action or intended use, similar to "shall be used", but with a slightly different emphasis on planning.

will be used

Replaces "shall" with "will", which is more common in modern English to indicate future tense. The core meaning remains the same.

has to be used

Uses "has to" instead of "shall" to convey obligation. The core meaning is preserved.

should be used

Suggests a recommendation or advisability rather than a strict requirement. Modality changes.

is designated for use

Highlights the intended purpose or assignment of something. The grammatical structure is different.

is intended to be used

Focuses on the purpose and planned utilization of something. Slightly different semantic nuance.

is designed to be used

Emphasizes the design aspect and its intended utilization, suggesting a specific purpose in mind. More specific than the original.

is meant to be used

Similar to "is intended to be used", but implies a stronger sense of purpose or expectation. Slight shift in emphasis.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "shall be used"?

The phrase "shall be used" is most appropriate in legal, formal, and regulatory contexts where a mandatory action or requirement needs to be clearly stated. For instance, legal contracts or policy documents often employ this phrase to ensure clarity and enforceability.

What are some common alternatives to "shall be used"?

Alternatives to "shall be used" include "must be used", "is required to be used", or "is to be used". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "shall be used" interchangeable with "will be used"?

While "shall" and "will" both indicate future tense, "shall be used" implies a stronger sense of obligation or requirement, whereas "will be used" simply denotes a future action without the same level of mandate. Therefore, they are not always interchangeable, especially in formal writing.

How can I avoid overuse of "shall be used" in my writing?

To avoid overuse, consider whether the situation truly requires a mandatory tone. If not, opt for alternatives like "should be used", "is intended to be used", or rephrase the sentence to use a more active voice.