should be obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is necessary or required to be acquired or received. Example: "The necessary permits should be obtained before starting construction on the new building."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally, support from key personnel should be obtained.

Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

And the number called should be obtained independently, not from the statement itself.

The New York Times

To ensure coverage for such liabilities, answers to these questions should be obtained and documented...

The New York Times - Science

Antinuclear antibodies should be obtained with emphasis on Scl-70 and anti-centromere antibodies.

Nature

Written permission should be obtained and kept by the academic department.

Stanford University

Detailed instructions on admissions should be obtained from the Graduate School Office of Admissions.

Yale University

However, the CRE doesn't specify whether the information should be obtained at the start of an interview or afterwards.

The Guardian

"The services of people trained in this field, such as psychologists, psychiatrists and neuro-physiologists should be obtained".

The New Yorker

The press release added, "It will also define how that information should be obtained, recorded and transmitted".

The New York Times

If a nation did not possess mines or have access to them, precious metals should be obtained by trade.

Britannica

To prevent such explosions, ethers should be obtained in small quantities, kept in tightly sealed containers, and used promptly.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be obtained", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for obtaining the item or information. For example, specify 'permission should be obtained from the copyright holder' rather than just 'permission should be obtained'.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "should be obtained" if an active voice clarifies the responsible party and makes the sentence more direct. Instead of 'results should be obtained', consider 'researchers should obtain results'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be obtained" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a recommendation or requirement that something needs to be acquired or received. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

23%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be obtained" is a grammatically correct and common construction used to advise or instruct on the necessity of acquiring something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is broadly applicable across diverse professional and academic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the responsible party and avoid overusing the passive voice where an active voice would be more direct. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news, and academic sources, denoting a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be acquired

Strengthens the necessity with 'must', indicating a requirement or obligation.

should be procured

Synonymous replacement of 'obtained' with the more formal term 'procured'.

is necessary

Highlights the essential nature of obtaining something.

ought to be acquired

Replaces 'should' with 'ought to', implying a moral obligation or strong advisability in acquisition.

is required

Indicates a formal requirement, often in official or legal contexts.

needs to be secured

Emphasizes the action of securing something necessary, highlighting the effort required.

it is important to secure

Highlights the importance of acquiring or securing something.

has to be gained

Shifts focus to the effort of gaining something, suggesting an active process.

it is recommended to get

Suggests a recommendation to acquire something.

is advisable to secure

Indicates something is a recommended course of action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "X should be obtained" to be more direct?

Consider restructuring the sentence in the active voice. For instance, instead of "Approval should be obtained from the manager", try "The manager should grant approval" or "You must obtain approval from the manager".

Is "should be obtained" formal or informal?

The phrase "should be obtained" is generally considered neutral to formal. The level of formality depends on the surrounding language. It is often used in official documentation, academic papers, and news reporting.

What is the difference between "must be obtained" and "should be obtained"?

"Must be obtained" indicates a requirement or obligation, whereas "should be obtained" suggests a recommendation or advisability. The first implies a stronger necessity.

What are some situations where using "should be obtained" is appropriate?

This phrase is suitable when discussing permissions, data, approvals, or resources that are recommended but not strictly mandated. Examples include saying "Informed consent should be obtained before the procedure" or "Expert advice should be obtained before making decisions".