should be about

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a certain amount or scope. For example: "The essay should be about three pages long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what this debate should be about".

The New Yorker

This is what life should be about".

The New Yorker

He's what our league should be about".

The New York Times - Sports

should be about 800k.

WikiHow

It should be about you".

Independent

Art should be about joy.

The Guardian - Arts

It should be about three hours.

The New York Times

It should be about getting it done.

The New York Times

It should be about dreams of beauty".

The New York Times

(The ground should be about 60 degrees).

The New York Times

It should be about the shrine".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be about" to express an opinion, ensure the context clearly indicates that it's a subjective viewpoint rather than an objective fact.

Common error

Avoid using "should be about" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that conveys a sense of authority and clarity, like "must address" or "is centered on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be about" primarily functions as a modal phrase to express expectation, suggestion, or approximation. It modifies a verb or noun phrase to indicate what is considered to be the main topic, purpose, or estimated value. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatile use in expressing opinions, estimations and intentions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be about" is a versatile phrase used to express expectations, suggestions, or approximations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used, although it might be considered too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. When precision is paramount, consider more formal alternatives such as "is centered on" or "must address". The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, making it suitable for general communication but warranting careful consideration in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is focused on

Directly states that the main attention or effort is directed toward something.

is centered on

Implies a deliberate construction with a specific point of focus.

ought to concern

Emphasizes moral obligation or correctness in focusing on a particular subject.

is primarily

Highlights the main or most important aspect of something.

is supposed to be

Highlights an expectation or intended state, often with a sense of ideal or plan.

needs to revolve around

Indicates a central theme or focus, suggesting that everything should relate to it.

must address

Stresses the necessity of dealing with or focusing on something important.

is roughly

Specifies that a number or quantity is approximate or estimated.

is estimated at

Uses a formal estimation, indicating that the value has been calculated approximately.

is in the vicinity of

Indicates an approximation by saying it's close to some value.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be about" to express expectations or approximations. For example, "The meeting should be about discussing the new marketing strategy" or "The cost should be about $50."

What's a more formal alternative to "should be about"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is estimated at" or "ought to concern" depending on the intended meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "should be about" in academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, using "should be about" in academic writing might sound informal. Strive for more precise and authoritative language when possible.

How does "should be about" differ from "is about"?

"Should be about" suggests an expectation or recommendation, while "is about" states a fact. For example, "The movie is about World War II" states the subject, whereas "The movie should be about World War II" suggests that the user wants or expects a movie with that theme.