should be mixed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be mixed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that two or more substances or elements need to be combined together for a specific purpose or outcome. Example: "The ingredients for the cake should be mixed thoroughly to ensure an even texture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is shown that cement-mixed gravely soil should be mixed at the optimum water content for compaction energy used to construct the backfill.

Ground Improvement Case Histories Chemical, Electrokinetic, Thermal and Bioengineering

If peat moss is used, it should be mixed with the soil.

The New York Times

"It should be mixed in the community, not in the club".

The New York Times

It should be mixed at cleaning, used promptly and not put on a shelf.

The New York Times

These kits include either a single putty or two soft putties that should be mixed together.

Columbia University

Mr. Munger isn't so sure: I do not see why massive derivative books should be mixed up with insured deposits.

The New York Times

"Politics is a dirty word to us, and we do not think it should be mixed with religion.

The New York Times

Until they show otherwise, a dose of scepticism should be mixed with the premature hopes the land deals have engendered.

The Economist

One industry project called the Cement Sustainability Initiative suggests that concrete should be mixed using smaller portions of cement to reduce emissions.

The New York Times

They should be mixed in at planting time — October in most parts of the country — when temperatures are cool and roots begin their subterranean growth.

The New York Times

Money made in "legitimate" businesses abroad, such as banks, property and tourism, should be mixed up with traditional income commissions on arms sales, energy deals and the like.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "should be mixed" to clearly indicate the necessary combination of ingredients or elements. For instance, "The dry ingredients "should be mixed" before adding the wet ingredients."

Common error

Avoid using "should be mixed by" when the agent performing the mixing is unimportant or obvious. Instead of "The ingredients "should be mixed" by the chef", prefer "The ingredients "should be mixed"" to emphasize the action itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be mixed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that a particular action (mixing) is advisable or necessary. It expresses a recommendation or instruction, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be mixed" is a versatile and frequently used modal passive construction that conveys a recommendation or necessity for combining elements. It is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and instructional content. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and usability of this phrase. When writing, be mindful of the passive voice and ensure the context appropriately warrants the use of "should be mixed" over more active alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be combined

Replaces "should" with "ought to", which conveys a similar sense of obligation or recommendation.

needs to be blended

Substitutes "should" with "needs to", emphasizing necessity, and "mixed" with "blended", implying a smooth combination.

must be incorporated

Replaces "should" with "must", indicating a stronger requirement, and "mixed" with "incorporated", suggesting integration.

has to be integrated

Similar to "must be incorporated", but focuses on the aspect of integrating elements together.

is required to be merged

Emphasizes the necessity of merging elements, with "required" being more formal than "should".

is advisable to intermix

Uses "advisable" to soften the recommendation and "intermix" to specify the action of mixing reciprocally.

is best practice to combine

Highlights that combining is the recommended or standard procedure.

it is recommended to blend

Offers a general recommendation for blending, shifting from direct advice to a more passive suggestion.

it is essential to homogenize

Emphasizes that achieving homogeneity is essential through mixing.

it is vital to synthesize

Suggests a critical need to synthesize elements through mixing, moving towards a transformative combination.

FAQs

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

Use "should be mixed" when indicating that two or more elements need to be combined. For example, "The paint and thinner "should be mixed" thoroughly before application."

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

Alternatives include "ought to be combined", "needs to be blended", or "must be incorporated", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "should be mixed" and "must be mixed"?

"Should be mixed" suggests a recommendation or advisability, while "must be mixed" indicates a requirement or necessity. The choice depends on the strength of the instruction.

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

It's appropriate to use "should be mixed" when providing instructions, recommendations, or guidelines, especially when combining elements for a desired outcome. For example, "These chemicals "should be mixed" in a well-ventilated area."