should be contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity of keeping something within certain limits or boundaries. Example: "The hazardous materials should be contained to prevent any environmental damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It [the fire] should be contained first of all in [the] flat of origin, then the next containment level should be fire doors, all the escape routes, the stairwell … and if these two things are done then these people have got time to get out if they need to.

The Guardian

His inner turmoil should be contained within his stiff exterior.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think animals of any nature should be contained," Mr. Duke said.

The New York Times

A police chief accepts it was peaceful but decided it should be contained to avoid potentially violent people joining it.

The Guardian

The decimated Jet offense should be contained, the Giants feel, by their improving defense, especially up front.

The New York Times

Except when entering or exiting the building, your pet should be contained in your individual office at all times.

Princeton University

The debate over the budget, a huge hike in the security bill and what should be contained within the £9.3bn public funding envelope will go on.

The Guardian - Sport

David Rebovich, a political science professor at Rider University in Lawrenceville, said the state's Constitution directed that where practicable, districts should be contained within one community.

The New York Times

No. Any search for sandy coastal perfection should be contained within the limits of Tenby in the south and Cardigan in the north – the Pembrokeshire coast.

The Guardian - Travel

Others, who want Hollande to be the clear winner in the first round before the final runoff, say Mélenchon's rise should be contained.

The Guardian

Our initial view is that the adverse earnings impact of the temporary remedial measures should be contained to 1-21-2% group earnings.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be contained" in technical writing, clearly define the boundaries or parameters within which something needs to be limited. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "should be contained" without specifying where or how something should be contained. Always provide context to ensure the statement is actionable and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be contained" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a necessity or recommendation for limiting or restricting something within certain boundaries. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

53%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be contained" is a versatile phrase used to express the necessity of limiting something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is "very common", particularly within scientific, news and media contexts. When using "should be contained", remember to specify the boundaries or parameters for effective communication, avoiding overgeneralizations. Related phrases include "ought to be restricted", and "must be confined", each providing nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be restricted

This alternative emphasizes a moral obligation or recommendation to limit something.

needs to be limited

This alternative highlights the necessity of setting boundaries or constraints.

must be confined

This alternative conveys a strong requirement for keeping something within specific limits.

should be limited to

This alternative specifies the extent or scope to which something should be restricted.

is to be confined

This alternative focuses on the requirement of being restricted.

is to be restricted

This alternative highlights an official restriction.

is to be included

This alternative focuses on the requirement of something being a part of a whole.

must be encompassed

This alternative suggests that something needs to be fully included or surrounded by something else.

ought to be encompassed

This alternative suggests a degree of moral obligation for something to be included.

needs to be encompassed

This alternative suggests a necessity to be fully included or surrounded by something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be contained" to express that something needs to be kept within specific limits or boundaries. For example, "The fire "should be contained" to prevent it from spreading".

What are some alternatives to "should be contained"?

Alternatives include "ought to be restricted", "must be confined", or "needs to be limited", depending on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "should be contained" or "must be contained"?

"Must be contained" typically implies a stronger obligation or requirement than "should be contained". The choice depends on the context and the degree of necessity you want to express.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "should be contained"?

It's appropriate to use "should be contained" when discussing safety protocols, security measures, or any situation where it's necessary to limit or restrict something to prevent negative consequences.