should be exemplary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be exemplary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations or standards that something or someone is expected to meet or exceed. Example: "The final report should be exemplary, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They should be exemplary citizens.

The New York Times

Ambika Soni, a senior Congress parliamentarian, said the punishment should be "exemplary".

The Guardian

At one point, Zimpher, in a comment aimed at Huggins, said: "Our coaches should be exemplary role models both on and off the court.

The New York Times - Sports

He added that as a historian he felt an obligation to lay out the truth: "I feel strongly that any kind of scholarly testimony should be exemplary work, systematic, comprehensive, rigorous".

The New York Times - Arts

His life should be exemplary for the far too many athletes silent in the face of today's injustices.

Huffington Post

The Muslim Brotherhood should be exemplary by being extremely modern, providing for everyone to dress in a stylish, clean and high quality manner, allowing youngsters to listen to music and rejoice.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Her presentations were exemplary.

The New York Times - Arts

Her method was exemplary.

The Guardian

His personal integrity is exemplary.

The New York Times

Your IMDb page is exemplary.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sushi and sashimi are exemplary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be exemplary" when you want to set a high standard and inspire others to strive for excellence. It conveys a sense of expectation and encourages others to model their behavior or work accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "should be exemplary" as a generic compliment without providing concrete examples of what 'exemplary' means in that situation. Be specific about the qualities that need to be emulated to provide actionable guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be exemplary" functions primarily as a modal phrase expressing expectation or recommendation. It indicates that something is expected to serve as an ideal model or standard. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be exemplary" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed expression used to indicate that something is expected to serve as an ideal standard or model. Ludwig AI confirms it's suitable for expressing expectations, particularly in formal, professional, and academic settings. The phrase functions to set benchmarks and guide behavior towards achieving excellence. While versatile, it is important to provide specific context to what constitutes 'exemplary' in any given situation to avoid vagueness. Some alternatives are "ought to be a model", "needs to be ideal", or "must be a benchmark".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be outstanding

Retains "should" for obligation but replaces "exemplary" with "outstanding" to emphasize exceptional quality.

should be the gold standard

Highlights the phrase as the ultimate example of quality by using the expression "gold standard".

ought to be a model

Replaces "should" with "ought to", maintaining the sense of obligation and substitutes "exemplary" with "a model" to indicate serving as an example.

should be first-rate

Replaces "exemplary" with "first-rate", focusing on high quality and top tier performance.

needs to be ideal

Shifts from obligation to necessity using "needs to", and replaces "exemplary" with "ideal", emphasizing perfection.

should be top-notch

Similar to "first-rate", this alternative uses "top-notch" to convey superior quality and performance.

should be a shining example

Emphasizes the guiding and inspirational nature of being exemplary by adding "shining example".

should be peerless

Emphasizes the unmatched quality by using "peerless" instead of "exemplary".

must be a benchmark

Replaces "should" with the stronger "must", and "exemplary" with "a benchmark", focusing on setting a standard.

should set the standard

Focuses on establishing a high level of expectation, shifting from inherent quality to an active role.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be exemplary" to express that something or someone is expected to serve as a model of excellence. For example, "The student's work should be exemplary, demonstrating a mastery of the subject matter."

What are some alternatives to "should be exemplary"?

Alternatives include "ought to be a model", "needs to be ideal", or "must be a benchmark" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for something to "should be exemplary"?

When something "should be exemplary", it means it is expected to be of the highest standard, serving as an ideal example for others to follow. It implies a requirement for excellence and sets a benchmark for performance.

In what contexts is "should be exemplary" commonly used?

The phrase is often used in contexts where standards are being set, such as in education, professional conduct, or quality assurance. It sets a clear expectation for achieving a high level of performance or behavior.