should be described

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be described" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires a description or explanation. Example: "The process for submitting your application should be described in detail on the website."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now all your objects should be described by these coordinates.

Cornell University

Other damage should be described in the catalogue.

Yale University

These people should be described as terrorists, he says.

The Guardian

"Emotions," it states, "should be described in voluptuous detail".

The New Yorker

The life-cycle should be described in writing.

Safety Critical Systems Handbook A Straightforward Guide to Functional Safety, IEC 61508 (2010 Edition) and Related Standards, Including Process IEC 61511 and Machinery IEC 62061 and ISO 13849

(2) This kind of optimization problem should be described naturally by the multi-level design model.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Each aim or subaim should be described in one or two pithy sentences.

Stanford University

Any special features in the chilling process, such as antimicrobial treatments, should be described.

Cornell University

Each object (e.g., chair) should be described in its own local right-handed coordinate system.

Princeton University

Any mechanical or design changes made to the chilling equipment should be described.

Cornell University

In fact I believe empathy should be described as a muscle.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be described", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for providing the description. Be specific about the expected level of detail to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "should be described". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make writing sound vague and less engaging. Consider rephrasing to use the active voice when possible for a more direct and impactful style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be described" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates a recommendation or necessity for something to be described. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Academia

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be described" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common occurrence, particularly in academic, scientific, and news contexts. It serves to express the need for a description or explanation, with a generally neutral to formal register. While effective, writers should avoid overuse of the passive voice for a more engaging style. Remember to be specific about who should provide the description and the expected level of detail. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "should be described" to enhance the clarity and completeness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be outlined

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a sense of obligation or advisability in outlining something.

needs to be explained

Substitutes "described" with "explained", focusing on clarifying something.

must be characterized

Replaces "described" with "characterized", emphasizing the identification of key traits.

has to be detailed

Uses "has to be" instead of "should be", highlighting a requirement for detail.

requires definition

Focuses on the need for a clear and precise definition of something.

demands clarification

Stresses the necessity for making something clearer and easier to understand.

warrants explanation

Indicates that something justifies or deserves a detailed explanation.

is necessary to delineate

Highlights the importance of clearly marking or defining the boundaries of something.

is important to illustrate

Emphasizes the significance of using examples or visuals to explain something.

begs a portrayal

Suggests that something strongly calls for a representation or depiction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "should be described" indicates that something needs a description or explanation. For example, "The experimental methods "should be described" in detail in the research paper."

What are some alternatives to "should be described"?

Alternatives to "should be described" include phrases like "needs to be explained", "ought to be outlined", or "must be characterized", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "should be described"?

While "should be described" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes make the sentence more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The procedure should be described by the technician", you could say "The technician should describe the procedure".

What's the difference between "should be described" and "must be described"?

"Should be described" indicates a recommendation or advisability, while "must be described" implies a requirement or necessity. The choice depends on the level of obligation you want to convey.