should be based

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be based" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is grounded in or built upon something else. For example, "This decision should be based on factual information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Policymaking should be based on evidence.

The Guardian

Legislation should be based on facts; evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it should be based on facts.

The New York Times

Funding decisions should be based on need.

The Guardian - Opinion

It should be based on something.

The New York Times

"They should be based on all the evidence.

The New York Times - Health

The new strategy should be based on two assumptions.

The New York Times

Further steps should be based on the new government's performance.

The New York Times

Persuasion should be based on truth rather than propaganda".

The Guardian

Pay should be based on merit, rather than on seniority.

The New Yorker

leader should be based on "fairness, transparency and merit".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your argument, provide a rationale for why something "should be based" on a particular foundation. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "decisions should be based on common sense". Instead, specify what constitutes 'common sense' in that context to make your argument more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be based" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a recommendation or requirement for something to be founded or established on a particular basis. As Ludwig AI states, it suggests that something's validity or effectiveness depends on a specific foundation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be based" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that expresses a recommendation or requirement for something to be founded on a particular basis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it emphasizes the importance of logical or factual justification. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the foundation and providing a rationale for its relevance. Common errors include vagueness, which can be avoided by being specific about the basis. Alternatives such as "ought to be founded on" or "needs to be grounded in" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be founded on

Replaces "should" with "ought to" and "based" with "founded on", suggesting a moral obligation.

must be predicated on

Uses "must" for stronger emphasis and "predicated on" to indicate a necessary condition.

needs to be grounded in

Emphasizes the necessity of a solid foundation, replacing "based" with "grounded in".

has to be rooted in

Indicates a deep connection, replacing "based" with "rooted in" for a more profound origin.

should stem from

Focuses on the origin or source, replacing "based" with "stem from".

should originate from

Highlights the starting point or beginning, changing "based" to "originate from".

should derive from

Emphasizes the extraction or obtaining from a source, changing "based" to "derive from".

should be constructed upon

Focuses on building or creating on a foundation, replacing "based" with "constructed upon".

should rest on

Highlights the dependence on a specific foundation, changing "based" to "rest on".

should rely on

Indicates a reliance or dependence on something, shifting from "based" to "rely on".

FAQs

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

You can use "should be based" to express that a decision, action, or idea needs to be grounded in something specific. For example, "Policymaking "should be based" on evidence."

What are some alternatives to "should be based"?

Alternatives include "ought to be founded on", "must be predicated on", or "needs to be grounded in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "should be based on" or "should base on"?

"Should be based on" is the correct passive voice construction. "Should base on" is grammatically incorrect. The passive construction emphasizes what the subject relies on.

What's the difference between "should be based on" and "should rely on"?

"Should be based on" implies a foundation or starting point, while "should rely on" suggests dependence or trust. While similar, "should rely on" emphasizes the act of depending on something for support or assistance.