should be improved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'should be improved' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something needs to be changed or improved in the future. For example: "This system should be improved to provide more efficient results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But perhaps they should be improved.

The Guardian

Third, transparency to consumers should be improved.

Harvard Business Review

A system that seems to be flawed should be improved".

The New York Times - Sports

That is already the case today and should be improved".

The Guardian

I agree that process should be improved for the future.

The Guardian

How do you think security can or should be improved?

The New York Times

Question whether processes should be improved, eliminated, or disrupted.

Harvard Business Review

Teaching of prudent antibiotic prescribing principles should be improved.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

The study suggests that preliminary assessment should be improved.

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

However, its construction repeatability and mechanical strength should be improved.

Chemical Engineering Science

Nevertheless, I believe that the current state of affairs can and should be improved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be improved", clearly specify what aspect needs enhancement to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The system should be improved", specify "The system's user interface should be improved."

Common error

Avoid using "should be improved" without providing actionable insights. Instead of a general statement, offer specific recommendations, such as "The report should be improved by including more data visualizations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be improved" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a recommendation or necessity for enhancement. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it commonly expresses that a particular aspect or entity is not currently at its optimal state and requires further refinement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be improved" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to suggest the need for enhancement or refinement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its utility spans across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. Its frequency is very common. To use it effectively, be specific about what requires improvement and provide actionable insights. Alternatives like "ought to be enhanced" or "needs to be refined" can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can confidently incorporate "should be improved" into your writing to convey constructive critique and prompt positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be enhanced

Emphasizes a moral obligation or advisability; slightly more formal.

needs to be refined

Focuses on the precision and subtlety of improvement; suitable for technical or artistic contexts.

could be ameliorated

Suggests making something bad or unsatisfactory better.

warrants enhancement

Highlights the justification or reason for improvement; suitable for formal reports.

can be upgraded

Implies bringing something up to a higher standard or more modern version.

requires further development

Focuses on the ongoing process of making something better over time.

would benefit from optimization

Suggests maximizing efficiency or effectiveness through improvement.

is ripe for revision

Indicates that something is ready and suitable for being changed or improved.

demands a facelift

Uses a metaphorical term suggesting a cosmetic or superficial improvement.

calls for a tune-up

Employs a mechanical metaphor suggesting minor adjustments for better performance.

FAQs

How do I use "should be improved" in a sentence?

Use "should be improved" to suggest that something is not perfect and needs enhancement. For example, "The software's user interface should be improved for better usability."

What can I say instead of "should be improved"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be enhanced", "needs to be refined", or "could be ameliorated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "should be improved" or "should have been improved"?

"Should be improved" indicates a future or ongoing need for improvement, while "should have been improved" indicates a past failure to improve something. Choose the phrase that matches the intended timeframe.

What's the difference between "should be improved" and "needs improvement"?

"Should be improved" is a softer suggestion, while "needs improvement" is a more direct and assertive statement about the necessity of enhancement. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.