should be refused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is not acceptable or should not be accepted in a particular context. Example: "Any request that does not meet our criteria should be refused to maintain our standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Organisations which cannot meet this obligation should be refused registration by the CQC.

The Guardian

By any reasonable interpretation of the relevant planning policies, the bridge should be refused.

The Guardian - Opinion

The conservation group said it meant the application should be refused.

The Guardian

The Department of Health said: "No child who needs help should be refused it.

The Guardian

Cardinal Brady said the bishops had not discussed if Communion should be refused to politicians who supported the bill.

The New York Times

Gray said bail should be refused to perpetrators who refuse to show up to their court dates.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Writing for Independent Voices, Caroline Lucas MP argues: "It's not lefty-pacifist propaganda to ask whether we should be refusing to move on from a past era of warfare.

Independent

"Allow me to point out that if Delegates genuinely think that my talking about who their campaign donors are ― and how much they're receiving from corporate lobbyists/corporate PACs ― is an ad hominem attack… then they should be refusing those donations".

Huffington Post

After vast infusions of state aid, Alitalia should now be refused more public money under European Union rules.

The Economist

Vernon Bogdanor, professor of government at the University of Oxford, wrote in 2007 that "a dissolution should only be refused when it is obvious that there is an alternative government that can command the confidence of parliament".

The Guardian

But Ostojic's wider point still stands: cases need to be assessed on an individual basis, and people shouldn't be refused asylum just because their countries are largely peaceful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that the reason for why something "should be refused" is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Common error

While "should be refused" is grammatically sound, overuse can make writing seem indirect. Opt for active voice when possible to strengthen your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be refused" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a recommendation or requirement that an action (the refusal) ought to occur. It's used to express that something is not acceptable or permissible under certain conditions, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be refused" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal passive construction that conveys a recommendation or requirement for denial or rejection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's best to explicitly state the reason for the refusal to avoid ambiguity. While useful, be mindful of overusing passive voice, and consider active voice alternatives for a stronger impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be rejected

Simple synonym with a direct and clear tone.

should not be accepted

Focuses on the act of not taking something that is offered.

ought to be rejected

Uses "ought to" for a stronger sense of obligation or moral necessity.

must be denied

Conveys a sense of imperative and finality in the refusal.

is not to be allowed

Emphasizes lack of permission or authorization.

must not be permitted

A strong prohibition, emphasizing the authority to prevent something.

is to be prohibited

Formal and legalistic, indicating a rule or law against something.

should be disallowed

Implies that something was initially considered allowable but is now not.

needs to be declined

Suggests necessity and formality in refusing something.

has to be turned down

More informal, emphasizing the act of declining an offer or request.

FAQs

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

Use "should be refused" to express that something is not acceptable or permissible, as in "Applications that do not meet the criteria "should be refused"".

What are some alternatives to "should be refused"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be rejected", "must be denied", or "should be rejected" depending on the specific context.

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

It is appropriate when you want to express a recommendation or necessity for something to be denied or rejected based on certain criteria or standards. The context usually involves rules, regulations, or expectations.

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

"Should be refused" suggests a recommendation or advisability, while "must be refused" implies a stronger obligation or requirement with no alternative. The latter indicates less flexibility.