should be bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is expected or required to be tied, restricted, or connected in some way. Example: "The documents should be bound together to ensure they are not lost or misplaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Obama's campaign has said that the superdelegates should be bound by the voters' will.

The New York Times

McDonnell said that frontbenchers should be bound by the conference decision on Trident.

The Guardian

"No government should be bound by that," he told Sky News on Thursday.

The Guardian

The rice should be bound lightly together with a little of the liquid.

The New York Times - Magazine

King Charles III is surely – it should be – bound for the West End.

The Guardian

The highest court in the land should be bound by the highest ethical standards.

The New York Times

"I agree they should be bound in law… [but] I think that's contractual law.

Independent

In a later class, pages should be bound together as a comprehensive catalogue to be displayed in the classroom.

The New York Times

"Anyone who teaches medical students or residents should be bound by the same regulations," Dr. Lo said.

The New York Times

He once said that the fact that "I have said something does not mean that I should be bound by my word".

The New York Times - Books

Conservative ministers have been accused of quietly abandoning the longstanding principle that members of the government should be bound by international law.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be bound" to express a moral or ethical obligation, ensure the context clearly establishes the source of the obligation. For instance, specify whether it stems from legal requirements, company policies, or personal beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "should be bound" without specifying who or what is imposing the obligation. Statements like "Everyone should be bound by the rules" can be vague. Instead, clarify with: "Everyone in this organization "should be bound" by these specific rules".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be bound" functions primarily as an auxiliary verb phrase used to express obligation, expectation, or a future state that is considered likely or desirable. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be bound" is a versatile phrase expressing expectation, obligation, or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it sees frequent usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is imposing the obligation to avoid vagueness. While alternatives exist, the most appropriate choice hinges on the specific nuance you aim to convey, whether it's a legal requirement or a moral duty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be obligated

Replaces "should" with "ought to" and "bound" with "obligated", conveying a sense of moral duty.

must be compelled

Emphasizes the necessity and enforcement through the use of "must" and "compelled".

are required to be tied

Focuses on the requirement aspect, replacing "bound" with "tied" to indicate a physical or metaphorical connection.

need to be constrained

Highlights the limitation or restriction involved, using "constrained" instead of "bound".

are expected to adhere

Shifts the focus to adherence to rules or principles, implying a binding agreement.

are destined to be linked

Suggests a future connection that cannot be avoided, focusing on destiny or fate.

have to be interconnected

Emphasizes the mutual relationship or connection between elements.

are meant to be united

Implies a purpose or intention behind the connection, suggesting a desired outcome.

are destined to be connected

Focuses on inevitability, suggesting the connection is predetermined.

are anticipated to be joined

Implies that the connection is expected to happen at some point.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be bound" to express an obligation or expectation. For example: "The agreement specifies that all parties "should be bound" by its terms" or "Morally, we "should be bound" by our promises".

What are some alternatives to "should be bound"?

Alternatives to "should be bound" include phrases like "ought to be obligated", "must be compelled", or "are required to be tied", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "must be bound" instead of "should be bound"?

While both phrases convey a sense of obligation, "must be bound" indicates a stronger, more forceful requirement than "should be bound". The choice depends on the level of necessity or compulsion you wish to express.

What is the difference between "should be bound" and "should be connected"?

"Should be bound" often implies a formal or obligatory connection, such as a legal or moral obligation. "Should be connected" suggests a more general or desirable association, without necessarily implying a strict requirement.