should be depicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be depicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something ought to be represented or illustrated in a particular context. Example: "In the report, the data should be depicted in a clear and concise manner to enhance understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This should be depicted both on the judging panel and the book list.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the debate over civic sculpture -- what it should depict, how it should be depicted -- is not new.

The New York Times

The voiceover has a tendency to go a step too far, informing us of emotional states that should be depicted rather than explained.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As he said in a 1996 speech at the Heritage Foundation, "environmental regulation should be depicted as an incredible intervention in the operation of society".

The New York Times

It is fitting Benn should be depicted in this form: "In the work I do, spoken word is everything," he says.

The Guardian - Arts

Mussolini believed that all bad news needed to be prevented and that Italy should be depicted as a happy, florid country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In his Treatise on Painting, published long after his death, he wrote that art should avoid the fashion: As far as possible avoid the costumes of your own day.…Costumes of our period should not be depicted unless it be on tombstones, so that we may be spared being laughed at by our successors for the mad fashions of men and leave behind only things that may be admired for their dignity and beauty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I personally think vampires should not be depicted as vegetarians, as they are by Meyer.

Independent

"Sex shouldn't be depicted as something that's so terrifying.

Independent

Thus, snakes really are legless (or nearly legless) lizards, and thus they should not be depicted in a classification as a group equal to and at the same level as lizards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he also "strongly deplored the very caricatural tone" of the newspaper towards Islam.Many Muslims will indeed find the cartoons offensive, not least because they breach a convention in Islam that the Prophet should not be depicted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be depicted", consider whether a more active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "the data should be depicted visually", consider "visualize the data".

Common error

Avoid using "should be depicted" without specifying the key features or aspects that need to be highlighted. Vague statements like "the topic should be depicted" lack clear direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be depicted" functions as a modal passive construction. 'Should' indicates advisability or obligation, while 'be depicted' signifies the state of being represented, often visually. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to express how something ought to be portrayed or illustrated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be depicted" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express how something ought to be represented. Ludwig AI indicates that it's most frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions as a modal passive construction and carries a neutral to formal tone, suitable for various writing styles. When employing this phrase, be specific about what aspects need to be highlighted in the depiction. Remember, while "should be depicted" suggests advisability, alternatives like "must be illustrated" may be more appropriate when indicating necessity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be represented

A more general term, indicating that something needs to be presented in a certain way.

ought to be portrayed

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation or advisability to depict something.

needs to be represented

Emphasizes the necessity of representing something, rather than just advisability.

needs to be illustrated

Highlights the necessity to explain, clarify, or exemplify through visual or other means.

must be illustrated

Indicates a requirement to illustrate something, often in a visual manner.

is to be shown

Formal and direct, suggesting a planned or predetermined depiction.

is to be portrayed

Similar to "is to be shown", but emphasizes character or role depiction.

has to be presented

Highlights the obligation or necessity of presenting something in a specific manner.

should be visualized

Implies a focus on making something visible or imaginable.

should be reflected

Suggests a mirroring or representation of something as it is in reality.

FAQs

How to use "should be depicted" in a sentence?

Use "should be depicted" to express how something ought to be represented or portrayed. For instance, "The hero of the story should be depicted as flawed but ultimately good".

What can I say instead of "should be depicted"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be portrayed", "needs to be represented", or "must be illustrated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "should be depicted" or "should depict"?

"Should be depicted" is passive, indicating that something needs to be shown. "Should depict" is active, meaning someone or something should actively show it. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the subject being represented or the actor doing the representing.

What's the difference between "should be depicted" and "should be portrayed"?

While similar, "depicted" generally refers to visual representations, while "portrayed" can refer to any representation, including character or role. For example, a scene "should be depicted" with accurate colors, while a character "should be portrayed" as compassionate.