should be following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be following" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is expected to adhere to a certain guideline or procedure. Example: "In order to ensure a smooth process, all team members should be following the established protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here are 26 economists you should be following on Twitter.

The New York Times

"I affirmed his concern that we should be following the proper guidelines...

The New Yorker

When it comes to female coaches, Germany provide the model England should be following.

The Guardian - Sport

Many have come to feel that is exactly the path it should be following.

The New York Times

The UK should be celebrating its commitment, and the international community should be following its example.

The Guardian

Evidence suggests that the UK is – or should be – following suit.

The Guardian

"Technically, city officials should be following the judge's decision and implementing a 47 ward contest.

The Guardian

"Google's job should be, what are the best social accounts I should be following, not the best Google Plus accounts I should be following".

The New York Times

Who's the best day-to-day court journalist we should be following.

The New Yorker

If you spot an account you think we should be following, please tell us in the comments below.

The Guardian

The night ended in a blur, which is as it should be, following a crawl through several bars and clubs.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be following" to suggest emulating successful strategies or behaviors: "Other companies should be following their innovative approach to customer service."

Common error

Avoid presenting "should be following" as a mere suggestion when it represents a critical requirement. Instead of saying, "Team members should be following these procedures when possible," clarify the necessity: "Team members must adhere to these procedures at all times."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be following" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing obligation, recommendation, or expectation. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct and common, reinforced by numerous examples where it advises adhering to guidelines or emulating examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be following" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express obligation, recommendation, or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best used to provide guidance on adhering to guidelines or emulating successful strategies. While its usage is prevalent across various contexts, it particularly shines in news, formal business, and academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what needs to be followed. While it's generally considered neutral, be mindful of the context to ensure the appropriate level of formality. Finally, explore alternatives like "ought to be observing" or "must adhere to" depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be observing

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a moral obligation rather than just a recommendation.

must adhere to

Emphasizes a mandatory requirement to comply with something.

need to monitor

Focuses on the act of watching and tracking something closely.

should be watching

Suggests keeping an eye on something for informational or strategic purposes.

should be heeding

Implies paying careful attention to advice or warnings.

ought to implement

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect.

need to implement

Emphasizes the necessity of putting a plan or system into effect.

should be abiding by

Highlights the act of obeying rules or laws.

should take notice of

Indicates the importance of being aware of something.

should keep abreast of

Implies staying informed about the latest developments.

FAQs

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

Use "should be following" to indicate that someone is expected to adhere to a guideline, procedure, or example. For example, "All students "should be following" the academic integrity policy."

What are some alternatives to "should be following"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "ought to be observing", "must adhere to", or "need to monitor" as alternatives to "should be following".

Is "should be following" grammatically correct?

Yes, "should be following" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "should" with the continuous form of the verb "follow", indicating an ongoing action that is recommended or expected.

What's the difference between "should be following" and "should follow"?

"Should follow" suggests a single action or a general guideline, while "should be following" implies a continuous or ongoing adherence to something. For example, "You should follow the recipe" versus "You "should be following" the patient's progress closely."