should be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an obligation or recommendation that something should be done in the present or future. For example: "Regular check-ups at the doctor's office should be done to ensure good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something should be done.

The New York Times

But more should be done.

The Economist

Now what should be done?

The New York Times

What should be done instead?

The New York Times

Something plainly should be done.

The Economist

Renovations should be done soon.

The New York Times

As it should be done".

Independent

What should be done?

Harvard University

Nothing should be done.

Harvard University

What sort of outreach should be done?

The New Yorker

This is how gamification should be done.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be done", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for performing the action. If unclear, specify the actor to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice with "should be done" as it can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Whenever possible, rephrase sentences to use active voice for a more direct and impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be done" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation, advisability, or expectation. It's a passive construction suggesting that an action needs to be performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be done" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey obligation, advisability, or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It frequently appears in news, media, academic, and wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral tone that adapts to different communication styles. When writing, remember to specify the actor to avoid ambiguity and rephrase where relevant with active voice for a more impactful message. Alternatives such as ""needs to be done"" or "must be done" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be done

Emphasizes a moral obligation or duty; a slightly more formal alternative.

needs to be done

Highlights the necessity or requirement of completing a task.

has to be done

Indicates a strong obligation or requirement, often implying external pressure.

must be done

Conveys a high degree of necessity or obligation, often implying a rule or law.

is required to be done

Formal and emphasizes a mandatory requirement.

is advisable to do

Suggests a recommended course of action, focusing on benefit or advantage.

is recommended to do

Formally suggests a course of action based on expertise or best practices.

it would be best to do

Emphasizes that a particular action is the most optimal choice.

is worth doing

Highlights the value or benefit of performing an action.

it is good practice to do

Suggests that an action is a standard or accepted method.

FAQs

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

Use "should be done" to express that something is advisable or necessary. For example, "The report "needs to be done" by Friday" indicates the report must be completed by that date.

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

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

Which is correct, "should be done" or "should do"?

"Should be done" implies a passive construction where something is acted upon, whereas "should do" implies active action. For example, "The dishes should be done" (passive) versus "You should do the dishes" (active).

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

"Should be done" expresses a recommendation or advisability, while "must be done" conveys a stronger sense of obligation or necessity. "Must be done" often implies a rule or law.