should be prescribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be prescribed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing recommendations or guidelines, particularly in contexts related to medicine, treatment, or rules. Example: "In cases of severe anxiety, medication should be prescribed to help manage symptoms effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A blood test can find listeriosis, in which case an antibiotic should be prescribed.

The New York Times - Health

The series should be prescribed by the NHS, Ellen suggested, as a sovereign insomnia cure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Talking to Merry Clayton is such an uplifting experience it should be prescribed on the NHS.

The Guardian - Music

And this medication that I took, sulindac, I don't think it should be prescribed".

The New York Times

Many insurers and doctors say the new drugs should be prescribed only for people at risk for ulcers.

The New York Times

Heroin should be prescribed by doctors to addicts, and every other drug sold under strictly regulated conditions.

The Guardian

It, rather than a visit to the Australian War Memorial, should be prescribed for Australian school children.

The Guardian

Some of the members said they did not think the drug should be prescribed to people with moderate kidney disease.

The New York Times

Medicines should be prescribed only when the benefit to be derived outweighs the risks and side effects that may occur.

The New York Times

Some of the doctors said they did not think the drug should be prescribed to people with moderate kidney disease.

The New York Times

They say the drugs should be prescribed at the lowest dose required to treat a patient's insomnia.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be prescribed", ensure the context clearly indicates who is recommending or authorizing the action. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the recommendation.

Common error

Avoid using "should be prescribed" in informal settings where a simpler suggestion would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stiff or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be prescribed" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses a recommendation, suggestion, or necessity that something (typically a medication, treatment, or action) ought to be ordered or authorized by a professional. Ludwig AI supports this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be prescribed" is a common and grammatically correct expression typically used to convey a recommendation or necessity, especially in medical and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in scientific literature, news media, and formal business communications. The phrase's formality makes it less suitable for informal settings. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "is recommended" or "ought to be prescribed". When you use the phrase "should be prescribed" ensure clarity regarding the recommending authority, as this strengthens the recommendation's impact. Understanding these nuances helps writers employ the phrase effectively and appropriately in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indicated for administration

Focuses on the medical necessity and appropriateness of a treatment.

should be dispensed

Similar meaning but more specific to pharmacies or places where medicine is given.

ought to be recommended

Emphasizes a moral obligation or advisability, similar to "should be prescribed" but with a slightly stronger tone of recommendation.

is recommended

A direct and simple way of suggesting something is beneficial. More concise.

needs to be ordered

Focuses on the necessity of the action, implying a requirement rather than a suggestion.

must be authorized

Highlights the aspect of permission or official approval being necessary.

is required to be administered

Formal and emphasizes the mandatory nature of giving something.

may be considered

Suggests an option worth exploring but does not emphasize necessity.

is advisable to administer

Suggests a course of action is prudent or beneficial.

could be given

Implies possibility without a strong recommendation.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be prescribed" to indicate a recommendation or necessity, especially in medical contexts. For example, "Antibiotics "should be prescribed" for bacterial infections".

What's a more informal way to say "should be prescribed"?

In less formal contexts, you might use alternatives like "is recommended" or "is advisable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "should be prescribed" always related to medicine?

While often used in medical contexts, "should be prescribed" can also apply to non-medical situations where a course of action is being recommended. For example, "a reading list "should be prescribed" to new students".

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

"Should be prescribed" indicates a recommendation or guideline, while "must be prescribed" implies a stricter necessity or requirement. The latter suggests there is little to no alternative.