should be banned

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be banned" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to express your opinion or suggestion that something is not acceptable and should not be allowed to continue. It is often used to discuss social or political issues that cause harm or are considered unethical. Example: "Plastic straws should be banned worldwide to reduce the devastating impact on marine life and the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hunting should be banned.

The Economist

It should be banned.

The New York Times

The word should be banned.

Independent

Market timing should be banned outright.

The Economist

He believed pornography should be banned.

The New York Times

Yes, smoking should be banned there, too.

The New York Times

I believe it should be banned.

The New York Times

Nobody should be banned from speaking anywhere.

Independent

For starters, assault weapons should be banned.

The New York Times

It should be banned from Britain".

Independent

"Do I think they should be banned?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for something to be banned, provide clear and logical reasoning to support your argument. State the specific harms or negative consequences associated with the subject you believe "should be banned".

Common error

Avoid making broad, sweeping statements about what "should be banned" without considering potential exceptions or unintended consequences. Focus on specific instances and provide nuanced arguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be banned" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a strong recommendation or advocacy for prohibition. As indicated by Ludwig, it's used to suggest that something is unacceptable and ought not to be allowed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be banned" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to advocate for the prohibition of something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, primarily within news and media. It's crucial to provide clear and logical reasoning when using this phrase, avoiding overgeneralizations. While alternatives like "ought to be prohibited" or "must be outlawed" exist, "should be banned" remains a direct and effective way to express a strong opinion on what actions should be taken.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be prohibited

A more formal synonym for "banned".

should be forbidden

Similar to "prohibited" but with a slightly stronger connotation.

ought to be prohibited

Uses a more formal modal verb and synonym for "banned".

must be outlawed

Emphasizes a legal prohibition.

should not be permitted

A more explicit way of expressing that something should not be allowed.

needs to be forbidden

Highlights a requirement for prohibition.

should be disallowed

Focuses on the act of not allowing something.

should be suppressed

Suggests actively preventing something from happening.

should be eliminated

Implies a complete removal or cessation.

has to be stopped

Indicates urgency and the necessity of immediate action.

FAQs

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

Use "should be banned" to express your opinion or suggestion that something is not acceptable and should not be allowed to continue. For example: "Single-use plastics "should be banned" to protect our oceans".

What are some alternatives to "should be banned"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be prohibited", "must be outlawed", or "needs to be forbidden" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "should be banned" or "should be prohibited"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and express a similar meaning. "Should be prohibited" is slightly more formal than "should be banned". The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

What are the implications of saying something "should be banned"?

Saying something "should be banned" implies that you believe it causes harm or violates ethical standards and that a formal prohibition is necessary to prevent its continuation. It's a strong statement that should be supported by evidence and reasoning.