should be referred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be referred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something or someone ought to be directed to a particular source or person for further information or assistance. Example: "In cases of medical emergencies, patients should be referred to a specialist for proper evaluation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He should be referred to the international criminal court.

The Guardian - Opinion

As such, they should be referred to in each lesson.

Yale University

It is not just 10 directors who should be referred.

Independent

These cases should be referred directly to otolaryngologists for otomicroscopic removal.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

These patients should be followed more carefully, and should be referred to an ophthalmologist when required.

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

Every such patient should be referred to a qualified breast surgeon for definitive diagnosis.

The New York Times

Quill believes that only the most complicated cases should be referred to palliative specialists.

The New Yorker

Bling H2O: "I think it should be referred to as the Champagne of waters.

The New York Times

It notes that "should there be any doubt, the matter should be referred to the NCA".

The Guardian - Tech

It is understood that Ofcom has recommended that the bid should be referred.

The Guardian

The investigator eventually will recommend whether the charges should be referred to a court-martial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be referred", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what is being referred and to whom or where they are being directed. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the intended action is clear.

Common error

While "should be referred" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using an active voice construction where appropriate, such as "The doctor should refer the patient" for a more direct and assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be referred" functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct. The verb "refer" suggests a direction to another source for information, help, or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be referred" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to recommend or instruct that something or someone be directed to a specific source for further action or assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including academia, news and media, and scientific writing. The phrase is most frequently used in neutral and formal registers. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse of the passive voice to maintain clarity and directness in writing. When using "should be referred", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what is being referred and to whom or where they are being directed. Alternatives include phrases like "ought to be directed" or "needs to be sent", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be directed

A direct synonym that maintains the same level of formality and meaning.

ought to be directed

Emphasizes obligation or advisability rather than a simple suggestion.

needs to be sent

Focuses on the action of sending something or someone for a specific purpose.

warrants a referral to

More formal, indicating that the situation justifies a referral.

must be routed

Suggests a more formal or systematic process of directing something.

is advised to consult

Implies giving advice to seek guidance or expertise.

has to be passed on

Emphasizes the transfer of responsibility or information to someone else.

should be handed over

Implies a transfer of control or physical possession.

should be put in touch with

Similar to "connected with", but more direct in suggesting a personal interaction.

should be connected with

Focuses on establishing a link between individuals or entities.

FAQs

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

The phrase "should be referred" indicates that someone or something ought to be directed to a particular source or person for further action or information. For instance, "Patients with suspected leukemia "should be referred" promptly to a hematologist-oncologist".

What are some alternatives to "should be referred"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ought to be directed", "needs to be sent", or "must be routed", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it always necessary to use "should be referred" in passive voice?

No, it is not always necessary. You can sometimes rephrase the sentence in active voice for a more direct tone. For example, instead of "The matter "should be referred" to the NCA", you could say "The committee should refer the matter to the NCA".

When is it most appropriate to use "should be referred"?

It's most appropriate when you want to emphasize the action of referral and the recipient of the referral, or when the actor doing the referring is unknown or unimportant. This is common in guidelines, recommendations, and instructions.