should be given

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express a recommendation or obligation. For example: "All candidates for the position should be given a chance to prove their abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Everyone should be given the same chance'.

Independent

She should be given more airtime.

The New York Times - Food

Both should be given final approval.

The New York Times

You should be given bonus pay.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whose needs should be given more importance?

The New York Times

Say prisoners should be given the vote.

Independent

They should be given the death penalty".

The New York Times

"These people should be given political asylum.

The Guardian

They should be given the Légion d'Honneur.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everyone can and should be given credit.

The New York Times

They should be given an artificial heart.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be given" to express a recommendation, suggestion, or obligation in a polite and formal manner. For instance, "Every student should be given the opportunity to excel."

Common error

Avoid using "should be given" excessively in informal conversations. Simpler alternatives like "give" or "offer" can be more appropriate. For example, instead of "He should be given a break", consider "Give him a break."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be given" functions as a passive voice construction used to express a recommendation, suggestion, or obligation. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from expressing fairness to allocating credit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be given" is a versatile and widely used expression for making recommendations or expressing obligations. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. Its prevalence in news and media outlets, as well as scientific publications, underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and whether a stronger or weaker suggestion is needed. While "should be given" is generally neutral to formal, alternative phrases like "must be given" or "ought to be granted" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. Avoiding overuse in informal settings and opting for simpler alternatives can also enhance clarity and appropriateness. Ludwig provides ample examples to guide effective and nuanced usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be granted

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a moral obligation, and "given" with "granted", which suggests bestowing something.

deserves to receive

Shifts the focus to deserving something, using "receive" instead of "given" to indicate acceptance.

merits receiving

Similar to "deserves to receive" but uses "merits" to convey a sense of earned recognition.

is entitled to

Emphasizes a right or entitlement, suggesting a legal or moral claim.

qualifies for

Indicates that certain criteria are met, making someone eligible to receive something.

is eligible for

Similar to "qualifies for", emphasizing eligibility based on specific conditions.

must be provided with

Uses stronger language ("must") and emphasizes the act of providing something.

needs to be awarded

Focuses on bestowing an award or honor, replacing "given" with "awarded".

warrants being presented with

Implies that something justifies being presented with something, often an honor or award.

is worthy of being offered

Highlights worthiness and the act of offering, suggesting consideration or potential.

FAQs

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

The phrase "should be given" is used to express a recommendation or suggestion. For example, "More attention "should be given to" environmental issues".

What's a more formal way to say "should be given"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "ought to be granted" or "must be provided with" depending on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "should be given" that imply entitlement?

If you want to emphasize a right or entitlement, you can use phrases like "is entitled to" or "qualifies for".

How does "should be given" differ from "must be given"?

"Should be given" suggests a recommendation, while "must be given" implies a stronger obligation or necessity. The choice depends on the level of imperative you wish to convey.