should be detailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be detailed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires thoroughness or specificity in its description or explanation. Example: "The report should be detailed to ensure all aspects of the project are covered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, the item description should be detailed.

Independent

Students' outlines should be detailed and should cover all of the basic elements of a story.

The New York Times

Standards for preventing the killing of innocents who might be nearby should be detailed and thorough.

The New York Times

"There should be detailed plans to improve workplace conditions by providing adequate resources and employing expert staff.

The Guardian

In addition, the pact should be detailed enough to provide guidance for critical decisions in areas that are fundamental to the long-term success of the firm.

Harvard Business Review

"Separate parties should be detailed for firing the houses, digging up and burning the grain and bhoosa, looting, &c.," he advised.

The New York Times - Books

It should be detailed enough that somebody who already understands the problem could go out and code the project without having to make any significant decisions.

University of California, Berkeley

He said that there should be detailed explanations for each grant and an independent audit afterward, and that the allocations should be close to equivalent across council districts.

The New York Times

The reviews should be detailed enough to show that an engineer checked every item and validated that it was still needed.

PCI Compliance Understand and Implement Effective PCI Data Security Standard Compliance

There should be detailed wording to set out what the franchisor expects of the franchisee in terms of use of the IP both during the franchise and after this has ended.

The Guardian

Her insistence on reform in Greece is vague when it should be detailed, leading to the suspicion that the problem is that, in German eyes, Greece can do nothing right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be detailed", ensure that the subsequent content provides specific, concrete information rather than remaining abstract or general. For example, instead of saying "the plan should be detailed", specify what aspects of the plan require elaboration.

Common error

Avoid using "should be detailed" as a placeholder for actual detail. Instead of just stating something "should be detailed", actively provide those details. Passive voice can weaken the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be detailed" functions as a modal phrase expressing a recommendation or requirement for thoroughness. It suggests that a particular subject or item necessitates a comprehensive explanation or description. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be detailed" is grammatically sound and frequently employed to advocate for thoroughness and clarity in explanations or descriptions. As Ludwig affirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Its usage spans a variety of contexts, particularly in science, news media, and formal business settings. The phrase serves to emphasize the need for comprehensive coverage of a topic, promoting a clear and complete understanding. When using this phrase, it's crucial to follow through with specific and concrete information to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be thorough

Replaces "should be detailed" with "ought to be thorough", maintaining a similar level of formality and emphasis on completeness.

needs to be comprehensive

Emphasizes the need for a complete and inclusive approach, similar to being detailed.

must be exhaustive

Highlights the necessity of covering all possible aspects, conveying a sense of thoroughness akin to being detailed.

requires a complete explanation

Focuses on the need for a full and thorough explanation, similar to providing detailed information.

demands a thorough description

Emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and detailed account.

calls for an in-depth analysis

Highlights the necessity of a profound and detailed analysis, similar to providing extensive details.

warrants a meticulous examination

Emphasizes the need for careful and detailed scrutiny, similar to a detailed investigation.

needs to be fully elaborated

Focuses on the requirement of developing the topic completely and with many details.

must include all relevant particulars

Highlights the need to incorporate every important detail, conveying the importance of being detailed.

necessitates a fine-grained approach

Emphasizes the need for a detailed and granular approach, similar to requiring thoroughness.

FAQs

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

Use "should be detailed" when indicating that something requires a thorough and comprehensive explanation or description. For instance, "The report "should be detailed" to cover all aspects of the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "should be detailed"?

Alternatives include "ought to be thorough", "needs to be comprehensive", or "must be exhaustive". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "should be detailed" or "must be detailed"?

"Should be detailed" suggests a recommendation, while "must be detailed" implies a requirement. The choice depends on whether the level of detail is optional or mandatory. Use "must be detailed" when completeness is essential.

What does it mean when something "should be detailed"?

It means that a description, explanation, or plan requires thoroughness and completeness. Important aspects need clear and explicit elaboration. The level of detail ensures the recipient understands every facet without ambiguity.