Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
should be imagined
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "should be imagined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or scenarios that require visualization or mental representation. Example: "In order to understand the complexity of the universe, it should be imagined as a vast, interconnected web of energy and matter."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Most of the speeches are supposed to be in blank verse, so the actors' voices should be imagined as swooping around a good deal, rhythmically, like the cars on a roller coaster.
News & Media
This network should be imagined as forming the background matrix of Fig. 6.
This should be imagined as a pleated sheet from a top view where the folds of the sheet correspond to the curves on the diagram.
Science
While some ethical concerns may and should be imagined prior to research, the iterative nature of the research means that many more ethical issues are likely to emerge, and even those that can be guessed may not be seen in the most appropriate way prior to beginning a research project.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Nothing will be perfect and no one will be happy with everything (which is as it should be – imagine how dismal a country it would be if every house and every place were equally likable).
News & Media
Perhaps it's a Twitter with a lot more revenue but not a lot more ads in its own stream that we should be imagining.
News & Media
I was prepared for Husband to start talking about the same dutiful future I figured I should be imagining.
News & Media
Instead of dreaming how to get back on top, we should be imagining another world, a more just and equitable world, in which production and distribution makes economic sense for the US -- while at the same time benefiting, instead of shamelessly exploiting, the rest of the world.
News & Media
But, I wondered, is my family's experience of the Holocaust exactly that which cannot and should not be imagined?
News & Media
These relationships should not be imagined as linear, although we seem to spontaneously do so, but rather as nonlinear with complex feedback loops, simply because such imaginations actually do capture better how these activities interact.
In his statement on the decision Thursday, he said the drug schedule shouldn't be imagined as "an escalating 'danger' scale".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "should be imagined" when you want to suggest that someone form a mental picture or concept of something. This phrase is useful for explaining abstract ideas or scenarios.
Common error
Avoid overuse of the passive voice, including "should be imagined", as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing the sentence to use an active voice construction for a more direct and engaging style.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "should be imagined" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase used to express a recommendation or suggestion for visualization. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts, ranging from literary analysis to scientific explanations, to prompt the audience to mentally conceive of a certain idea or scenario.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
35%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Academia
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "should be imagined" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed phrase that encourages mental visualization. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and general contexts. To enhance clarity and engagement, be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "ought to be envisioned" or "needs to be visualized" to suit the specific nuances of your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
ought to be envisioned
Replaces "should" with "ought to", adding a slightly stronger sense of obligation or expectation.
needs to be visualized
Emphasizes the necessity of creating a mental image.
must be conceived
Highlights the importance of forming an idea or concept.
can be envisioned
Indicates possibility or potential for mental visualization.
could be pictured
Suggests a more casual and readily accessible mental image.
is to be conceptualized
Focuses on the process of forming a concept or abstract idea.
may be contemplated
Implies a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration.
is worth considering
Shifts the focus to the value of giving something thought.
warrants imagining
Highlights the justification or reason for envisioning something.
one must visualize
Emphasizes personal action in the act of visualization.
FAQs
How can I use "should be imagined" in a sentence?
The phrase "should be imagined" is used to suggest or recommend that someone form a mental picture of something. For example, "The ideal society "should be imagined" as a place where everyone has equal opportunities".
What are some alternatives to "should be imagined"?
Alternatives include "ought to be envisioned", "needs to be visualized", or "must be conceived", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use "should be imagined" in writing?
It's appropriate to use "should be imagined" when you are asking your audience to create a picture in their mind of what you are describing, usually a theory, idea or concept.
Is there a difference between "should be imagined" and "can be imagined"?
"Should be imagined" suggests a recommendation or ideal, while "can be imagined" indicates a possibility or feasibility. The former implies value, while the latter implies potential.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested