should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'should be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to express an opinion about what is expected, desired, or recommended. Example: "The burden of proof should be on the accuser in a trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He should be grateful.

The Economist

So they should be.

Independent

This should be interesting.

The New York Times

"You should be commended".

The New Yorker

"It should be easier".

The New Yorker

They should be eliminated.

The New York Times

It should be something.

The New Yorker

Everyone should be disgusted.

The New York Times

That should be "block".

Independent

Maybe I should be.

The New Yorker

Government should be transparent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "should be" with adverbs like 'carefully', 'thoroughly', or 'promptly' to add precision and nuance to your recommendations.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, avoid overuse of "should be". Opt for stronger verbs or more precise language to convey expectations or requirements with greater authority and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be" functions primarily as a modal verb construction. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to express an expectation, recommendation, or a degree of obligation. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as indicating a future action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be" is a versatile modal verb construction used to express expectations, recommendations, or obligations. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki contexts, it carries a neutral register suitable for a broad range of communications. While "should be" is valuable for expressing suggestions and expectations, careful consideration of stronger verbs may be warranted in formal or scientific writing to convey information with greater precision. As an alternative you can consider phrases like "ought to be" or "needs to be", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be

Indicates a moral obligation or expectation, similar to "should be" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on duty.

needs to be

Emphasizes necessity, highlighting that something requires a certain condition or action.

must be

Expresses a strong obligation or logical necessity, conveying a higher degree of certainty or requirement than "should be".

is expected to be

Focuses on anticipated outcomes or future states, indicating a prediction or expectation.

is supposed to be

Suggests an arrangement, plan, or expectation, often implying a sense of obligation or duty.

it is advisable to be

Recommends a course of action or behavior, highlighting the benefits of following the advice.

it would be best to be

Indicates the most favorable or optimal course of action in a given situation.

is required to be

Highlights a mandatory condition or requirement, indicating that something is officially necessary.

it is recommended to be

Suggests a beneficial course of action, often based on expert advice or established guidelines.

is advisable to be

Recommends a course of action or behavior, highlighting the benefits of following the advice.

FAQs

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

The phrase "should be" is used to express an expectation, recommendation, or a degree of obligation. For instance, "The report "should be submitted" by Friday" indicates an expectation.

What are some alternatives to "should be"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "should be" include "ought to be", "needs to be", or "must be". Each carries a slightly different nuance of obligation or necessity.

Which is correct, "should be" or "should of"?

"Should of" is incorrect. The correct phrase is "should have", often contracted to "should've". "Should be" is used in different contexts, expressing a state or condition that is expected or recommended.

What is the difference between "should be" and "must be"?

"Should be" expresses a recommendation, expectation, or mild obligation. "Must be" implies a stronger obligation or a logical necessity. For example, "You "should be on time"" is a suggestion, while "That "must be the reason"" indicates a conclusion based on evidence.