shall contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall contain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal or legal contexts to specify that something must include certain elements or components. Example: "The contract shall contain all necessary clauses to ensure compliance with the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such notice shall contain basic information about the property.

Cornell University

The written request shall contain a statement of the reason the manual recount is being requested.

The New York Times

Among others, curricula of chemical engineering shall contain adequate education on process safety topics and relevant regulation.

Risk Analysis and Control for Industrial Processes - Gas, Oil and Chemicals A System Perspective for Assessing and Avoiding Low-Probability, High-Consequence Events

Such report shall contain the Board's recommendations for improvement and include any minority views.

Cornell University

The reports shall contain the information listed in paragraph (l)(6).

Cornell University

The reports shall contain the information listed in paragraph (l)(6) of this section.

Cornell University

Each Panel's report shall contain a complete statement of the basis for the Panel's determination.

Cornell University

The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training.

Cornell University

This report shall contain an analysis of each of the items enumerated in subsection (a)(2).

Cornell University

Such return shall contain the information described in paragraph (b) of this section.

Cornell University

The records shall contain the actual values and observations obtained during monitoring.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shall contain" in legal and formal documents when specifying mandatory inclusions or requirements to maintain a precise and authoritative tone.

Common error

Avoid using "shall contain" in informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "must include" or "should have" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall contain" primarily functions as a directive verb phrase, indicating a mandatory requirement for inclusion. Ludwig examples show it's used to specify required elements within legal documents, reports, and specifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall contain" is a directive verb phrase primarily used in formal and legal contexts to specify mandatory inclusions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in academia, business, and scientific domains. While highly suitable for formal writing, it should be used sparingly in informal contexts. Alternatives like "must include" or "is required to have" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in tone. When writing, remember that "shall contain" asserts a requirement, distinct from the suggestive nature of "should contain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must include

Indicates a mandatory inclusion, similar to "shall contain" but with a more direct tone.

is required to have

Emphasizes the necessity of possessing certain elements, akin to "shall contain" in specifying requirements.

should include

Suggests a recommendation for inclusion, less forceful than "shall contain" but still implying importance.

will incorporate

Focuses on the act of bringing elements together, comparable to "shall contain" in describing composition.

will consist of

Specifies the components of something, similar to "shall contain" in outlining contents.

is comprised of

Describes the composition of something, similar to "shall contain" but more descriptive.

is composed of

Highlights the elements that make up a whole, akin to "shall contain" in detailing the parts.

features

Emphasizes specific characteristics or elements included, relating to "shall contain" by highlighting contents.

encompasses

Implies a comprehensive inclusion, similar to "shall contain" in describing scope.

incorporates

Suggests the integration of elements, aligning with "shall contain" in denoting content.

FAQs

What does "shall contain" mean?

The phrase "shall contain" means that something is required to include specific elements or components. It's often used in legal and formal contexts to indicate mandatory inclusion.

When is it appropriate to use "shall contain" in writing?

Use "shall contain" in formal documents, legal agreements, and technical specifications where precise language is necessary to define requirements. In less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "must include" or "should have".

What are some alternatives to "shall contain"?

Alternatives to "shall contain" include "must include", "is required to have", and "should include". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific context.

How does "shall contain" differ from "should contain"?

"Shall contain" indicates a mandatory requirement, while "should contain" suggests a recommendation or preference. "Shall" implies a legal or contractual obligation, whereas "should" implies advisability.