should be governed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be governed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing rules, regulations, or principles that are expected to control or direct behavior or actions. Example: "In a democratic society, the rights of individuals should be governed by the rule of law to ensure fairness and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leveson says: "It should be governed by an independent board.

The Guardian

It should be governed by business relationship or rank.

Harvard Business Review

University lecturer, Liverpool "I went to the session on how London should be governed.

The Guardian

It should be governed by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, GHA adds.

The Guardian

He was known to be of the opinion that North Korea should be governed more liberally.

Britannica

I've never thought British politics should be governed by statistics any more than by mateocracies.

The Times

"This should be governed by the rental agreement between the facility and the letter writer".

The New York Times

But now the question of how Egypt should be governed has been fast-forwarded.

The New York Times

That ought to matter when judges decide whether a transaction should be governed by domestic law.

Columbia University

The report, titled Caveat Venditor, argues that auto-enrolment should be governed by the principle of seller not buyer beware.

The Guardian - Money

"Any political fight should be governed by rules, the same way sports are," he said on Saturday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be governed", ensure the governing body or principle is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether a decision "should be governed" by ethical guidelines, legal statutes, or company policy.

Common error

Avoid using "should be governed" without specifying what or whom is doing the governing. Vague statements like "things "should be governed" better" lack clarity. Instead, provide a specific context: "Data privacy "should be governed" by stricter regulations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be governed" functions as a passive construction indicating a necessity or recommendation for something to be controlled or regulated. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used across diverse contexts to express the need for oversight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be governed" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the need for control, regulation, or guidance. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it appears across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, while its grammatical correctness ensures clear communication. When using "should be governed", clarity is key; specify the governing body or principle to avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be regulated

Focuses more explicitly on the act of regulation, often by an external authority.

should be controlled

Emphasizes the aspect of managing or restraining something.

should be managed

Highlights the administrative aspect of overseeing something.

should be directed

Implies guidance or steering towards a specific outcome.

should be guided

Suggests a more advisory or supportive form of influence.

should be subject to

Indicates that something is under the power or authority of something else.

must adhere to

Emphasizes compliance with a set of rules or standards.

should comply with

Similar to 'must adhere to', but can imply a less strict obligation.

should be determined by

Focuses on the influence of specific factors on a decision or outcome.

should be influenced by

Suggests a less direct form of control, where factors exert an effect.

FAQs

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

Use "should be governed" to indicate that something needs to be controlled or regulated by a specific set of rules or principles. For example, "The use of personal data "should be governed by" strict privacy laws".

What are some alternatives to "should be governed"?

Alternatives include "should be regulated", "should be controlled", or "should be managed", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "should be governed" or "must be governed"?

"Should be governed" suggests a recommendation or ideal, while "must be governed" indicates a necessity. The choice depends on whether you're expressing an opinion or stating a requirement. Generally, "must be governed" is stricter and implies a higher level of obligation.

What's the difference between "should be governed by" and "should adhere to"?

"Should be governed by" implies control or regulation, whereas "should adhere to" means following or complying with existing rules or guidelines. The former suggests a framework is needed, while the latter suggests compliance with an existing framework.