should be documented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be documented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be recorded or noted for future reference or clarity. Example: "All changes to the project plan should be documented to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything should be documented.

The New York Times

It should be documented, preserved and made accessible.

The New York Times - Arts

"His body has witnessed much and should be documented".

The Guardian - Arts

Airfare expense paperwork should be documented in chronological order.

Columbia University

Which is why they're utterly brilliant, of course, and should be documented for always.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His body has witnessed much and should be documented," Deller said.

The New Yorker

The procedures for white, gray, and black box testing should be documented.

Quality Money Management Process Engineering and Best Practices for Systematic Trading and Investment

This chapter explains the three primary ways in which the photographs should be documented.

Crime Scene Photography

Depending upon the risk, working procedures should be documented, for example, as codes of practice.

Hazardous Chemicals Handbook

However, sometimes there are things which should be documented, but wouldn't be appropriate to document publicly.

University of California, Berkeley

The disclosure controls should be documented and should facilitate their testing.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For compliance purposes, cross-reference documented procedures with relevant regulations or standards.

Common error

Avoid vague instructions like "document everything". Instead, prioritize documenting critical processes, decisions, and exceptions, focusing on what's essential for clarity and compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be documented" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a recommendation or requirement for something to be recorded or noted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. The examples show its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

25%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be documented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the necessity of recording information. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. As indicated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most commonly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and precision, and consider stronger alternatives like "must be recorded" when the situation demands it. The high expert rating and consistent usage across authoritative sources confirm its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be recorded

Emphasizes a stronger requirement for recording compared to a suggestion.

needs to be noted

Highlights the necessity of noting something, often for attention or memory.

ought to be registered

Implies a moral obligation to register something officially.

is required to be logged

Specifies a formal requirement to log information, often in a system.

should be registered

This suggests a formal requirement for something to be registered, often with an official body.

ought to be chronicled

Focuses on recording events or details over time.

is to be preserved

Highlights the importance of keeping something safe and unchanged.

must be preserved

Emphasizes a stronger requirement for preserving something.

needs to be chronicled

Highlights the necessity to log or write down an historical account.

ought to be preserved

Suggests something should be protected for the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be documented" to indicate that something needs to be recorded or noted for future reference. For example, "All changes to the project plan "should be documented" to ensure everyone is on the same page."

What are some alternatives to "should be documented"?

Alternatives include phrases like "must be recorded", "needs to be noted", or "ought to be registered depending on the context."

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

The choice depends on the context. "Must be documented" implies a stronger requirement than "should be documented". Use "must" when documentation is mandatory and "should" when it's highly recommended but not strictly enforced.

In a formal setting, is "should be documented" appropriate?

Yes, "should be documented" is appropriate in formal settings. It conveys a professional recommendation for recording information. However, ensure clarity and specificity in what "needs to be logged".