should be investigated

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be investigated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that something needs to be examined or looked into further. Example: The recent rise in crime rates in the city should be investigated by local authorities to determine the underlying causes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His death should be investigated.

The Guardian - Opinion

The zoo should be investigated".

The Guardian

All permits should be investigated," Seelig said.

The Guardian

Each case should be investigated to the full extent possible.

The New York Times

"I think he should be investigated by the Senate.

The Guardian

Is it something that should be investigated by the manufacturers?

The Guardian

The underlying cause of troublesome hiccups should be investigated.

The New York Times - Science

If there has been any breach … they should be investigated.

The Guardian

Milosevic-era privatizations should be investigated and corrupt deals renegotiated.

The New York Times

should be investigated.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Medical problems should be investigated first".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be investigated", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for conducting the investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "should be investigated" without specifying what exactly needs to be investigated. Be specific to provide clear direction and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be investigated" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a recommendation or necessity for an inquiry or examination to occur. It conveys that something warrants further scrutiny, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be investigated" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the necessity of further examination. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for use across various registers, from news and media to scientific and formal business contexts. Its primary function is to recommend or advocate for an inquiry. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, clarity is key; ensure that the subject requiring investigation is clearly specified. Consider alternatives such as "ought to be examined" or "warrants further inquiry" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be examined

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a similar sense of duty or necessity, while replacing "investigated" with "examined" for a subtle change in tone.

needs to be scrutinized

Emphasizes the necessity of close examination using "scrutinized", implying a more critical assessment.

warrants further inquiry

Uses more formal language, suggesting that the matter justifies a deeper exploration or formal investigation.

merits an examination

Indicates that the subject is worthy of examination, focusing on the value of the examination itself.

calls for a probe

Suggests a need for a thorough and often formal inquiry, typically used in legal or official contexts.

demands further analysis

Highlights the necessity of detailed analysis, suitable for situations requiring in-depth understanding.

requires close inspection

Focuses on the need for careful and detailed observation or examination.

is worthy of scrutiny

Similar to "needs to be scrutinized" but emphasizes worthiness.

begs the question

Indicates that something raises a significant question that must be answered, implying the need for investigation.

must be looked into

Uses a more direct and informal tone to express the need for investigation.

FAQs

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

Use "should be investigated" to express that something warrants further examination or inquiry. For example, "The cause of the accident "should be investigated" thoroughly".

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

You can use alternatives such as "ought to be examined", "needs to be scrutinized", or "warrants further inquiry" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "should be investigated" in formal writing?

"Should be investigated" is suitable for formal writing when expressing the necessity of an inquiry into a particular matter. Ensure your tone remains objective and professional.

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

"Should be investigated" suggests a recommendation or strong suggestion, while "must be investigated" implies a higher level of urgency or obligation. The latter indicates that an investigation is absolutely necessary.