should be hanged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be hanged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing punishment or consequences for a crime, particularly in a legal or historical context. Example: "The jury concluded that the defendant should be hanged for his crimes against humanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They should be hanged.

The New York Times

And murderers should be hanged.

The Economist

"Any terrorist should be hanged.

The Guardian

His critics say he should be hanged from a lamppost.

The New York Times

If Modi has sinned, then Modi should be hanged.

The New York Times

On Thursday, Woolsey added that Snowden should be "hanged".

The New Yorker

"The men who did this should be hanged".

The New York Times

On Monday, the father of the victim said that the culprits should be hanged.

The New York Times

Gershom Scholem, who opposed Eichmann's execution, thought that Murmelstein should be hanged for his pains.

The New Yorker

The only issue was whether they should be hanged or sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Guardian

Some angered fans told reporters the disgraced cricketers should be hanged.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be hanged", ensure the context is appropriate and sensitive to the gravity of the subject matter. Consider whether a more neutral or formal alternative, such as "should be executed", might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "should be hanged" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can be perceived as insensitive or overly harsh. Reserve it for discussions of historical or legal contexts where capital punishment is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be hanged" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence, expressing an opinion or judgment about the appropriate punishment for someone. It indicates a belief that execution by hanging is a deserved consequence. Ludwig examples show its usage in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be hanged" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating an opinion that someone deserves execution by hanging. As highlighted by Ludwig, it often appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. The phrase's register ranges from neutral in news reports to potentially formal or informal depending on context and speaker intent. While a very common phrase, especially in journalistic contexts, sensitivity is crucial, and alternatives like "should be executed" or "deserves capital punishment" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be executed

Replaces 'hanged' with a more formal synonym, 'executed'.

deserves capital punishment

Shifts the focus to the deservedness of capital punishment, rather than the method.

should face the death penalty

Replaces 'hanged' with a direct reference to the 'death penalty'.

must be put to death

Uses a more direct and forceful tone.

should be sentenced to death

Emphasizes the sentencing aspect of the punishment.

warrants execution

Uses a more formal and legalistic tone.

is worthy of execution

Focuses on the worthiness of the punishment.

should be sent to the gallows

Replaces 'hanged' with a reference to the gallows (old english for execution)

needs to be terminated

Euphemistic, less direct way of implying execution.

should be eliminated

More general term for removal, applicable to a variety of contexts.

FAQs

What does "should be hanged" mean?

The phrase "should be hanged" expresses an opinion that someone deserves to be executed by hanging, typically as punishment for a serious crime. It reflects a belief in capital punishment.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "should be hanged"?

The phrase "should be hanged" is appropriate in discussions about historical events, legal contexts involving capital punishment, or when expressing a strong personal opinion about the severity of a crime. However, its use should be considered carefully due to its sensitive nature.

What are some alternatives to saying "should be hanged"?

Alternatives to "should be hanged" include "ought to be executed", "deserves capital punishment", or "should face the death penalty". These options may be more formal or less emotionally charged, depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "should be hanged" and "should be executed"?

While both phrases express the idea that someone deserves to die as punishment, "should be hanged" specifies the method of execution. "Should be executed" is a more general term that encompasses various methods of capital punishment, including hanging, lethal injection, or other means.