should be caused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be caused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity or expectation of an event or condition being triggered by a specific factor. Example: "The symptoms should be caused by the underlying infection, which needs to be treated promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

This should be caused by the abovementioned deformation of the InGaAs SBL.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This phenomenon should be caused by functional DNA elements enrichment, which is consistent with other studies.

Protein & Cell

This should be caused by different contact conditions between nanoparticles at different porosities.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This phenomenon should be caused by the aggregation effect of hydroxyls.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The weak Fe peaks should be caused by the inclusion of FeCl3.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This should be caused by the topographic amplification effect of the narrow mountain ridge.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's a topic that is (or at least should be) causing sleepless nights, no less so for the artists among us.

The Guardian - Film

Here's the line that should be causing a dustup.

Huffington Post

This should be cause for celebration.

The Guardian - Opinion

His comments should be cause for reflection at least.

The Guardian - Sport

Its long overdue revival should be cause for celebration.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if active voice alternatives such as 'is triggered by' provide more directness and clarity in certain contexts.

Common error

While "should be caused" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak or indirect. Use active voice when appropriate for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be caused" functions as a passive construction indicating a probable or expected cause-and-effect relationship. It is commonly used to explain anticipated outcomes based on existing knowledge or observations, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

89%

News & Media

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be caused" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express a probable or expected cause-and-effect relationship. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in scientific contexts, as highlighted by the numerous examples from academic and research publications. While acceptable, overuse of passive voice should be avoided in favor of more direct, active constructions when appropriate. Related phrases such as "is likely due to" offer alternatives for varying the tone and emphasis. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, further solidifying its place in formal and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a consequence of

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the result.

is likely due to

Replaces the modal verb "should" with "is likely", indicating a high probability of causation.

is probably attributable to

Substitutes "should be" with "is probably attributable", suggesting a likely cause with a more formal tone.

is triggered by

Focuses on the triggering event or action that initiates the effect.

is possibly a result of

Replaces "should be" with "is possibly a result", indicating a potential but not definite cause.

may be attributed to

Uses "may be attributed" instead of "should be", suggesting a possible causal link.

could stem from

Replaces the passive construction with an active one, indicating the origin of the effect.

is conceivably generated by

Suggests a situation where the result can happen with specific action, the "conceivably" add a bit of uncertainty.

might arise from

Indicates that something 'might arise' as a consequence of something else, implying possibility and consequence.

originates in

Focuses on the origin or source of something rather than a direct causal relationship.

FAQs

What does "should be caused" mean?

The phrase "should be caused" suggests that a particular outcome or condition is expected to result from a specific cause, based on reasonable assumptions or evidence. It implies a logical connection between the cause and effect.

When is it appropriate to use "should be caused" in writing?

Use "should be caused" when you want to express a probable or expected cause-and-effect relationship, often in scientific or analytical contexts where you're explaining why something likely happened.

Are there alternatives to "should be caused" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "is likely due to", "is probably attributable to", or "is a consequence of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "should be caused by" the same as "is caused by"?

Not exactly. "Is caused by" indicates a definite and confirmed cause, while "should be caused by" suggests a probable or expected cause that may not be definitively proven. The former is more assertive, while the latter is more speculative.