should be included

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be included" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something should be a part of something else. Example: In order to ensure the accuracy of our data, all relevant information should be included in the report before it is presented to the board.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More ramps should be included!

The New York Times

McPherson suggested that Zannino should be included.

The New Yorker

Perhaps waterproof pants should be included.

The New York Times

"I think more women should be included.

The Guardian - Film

Every element of your CV should be included on purpose".

The Guardian

And that means that everyone should be included.

The Guardian

Such mind-expanding breaks should be included on the curriculum.

The Guardian - Travel

Photos of each item should be included in the circular.

The New York Times

Preschool centers should be included as a matter of course.

The New York Times

(Detailed instructions should be included with the toilet hardware).

The New York Times

Units should be included in parentheses.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be included" to express a recommendation or requirement, particularly when suggesting additions or components that would enhance completeness or effectiveness.

Common error

While "should be included" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem less direct. Consider rephrasing to an active voice where appropriate for clarity and impact, such as "the report should include all relevant information."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be included" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a suggestion, recommendation, or requirement. It typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, expressing that something ought to be a part of a larger whole. Ludwig confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be included" is a versatile and common modal verb phrase used to express a recommendation, suggestion, or requirement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, from formal scientific writing to informal guides. While direct and clear, remember to check that you are not overusing the passive form for better clarity and impact. Ludwig's examples from diverse sources such as news media, scientific journals, and wikis shows its prevalence in contemporary English writing, underscoring its value in your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be added

Replaces "should" with "ought to", which carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability.

needs to be incorporated

Emphasizes the necessity of integration, often in a more formal or technical context.

must be integrated

Conveys a stronger imperative; "must" indicates something is essential or mandatory.

has to be present

Focuses on the requirement of presence, highlighting that something is required to be there.

is required

Implies a rule or regulation necessitates the inclusion.

is essential

Highlights the importance of including something, emphasizing its crucial nature.

it's important to add

Shifts the focus to the importance of the action of adding, rather than a direct recommendation.

it would be advisable to add

Adds a layer of advisability, suggesting that including something is a good idea.

it is recommended that you add

Formalizes the suggestion as a recommendation, often from an authority.

it is suggested to add

Similar to "it is recommended", but slightly less forceful and more general.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be included" to suggest that something is necessary or advisable to add. For example, "All relevant data "should be included" in the report".

What are some alternatives to "should be included"?

Alternatives include "ought to be added", "needs to be incorporated", or "must be integrated", depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "should be included"?

While "should be included" is passive, it's often appropriate. However, using the active voice can make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "These items "should be included"", you could write "The list should include these items".

What's the difference between "should be included" and "must be included"?

"Should be included" suggests a recommendation, while "must be included" implies a requirement. "These features "should be included"" means it's a good idea to add them. "These features must be included" means they are mandatory.