should be retired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be retired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone or something is no longer suitable for a particular role or activity and should be replaced or removed. Example: "After years of dedicated service, the old equipment should be retired in favor of newer technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought about how my grandparents should be retired by now instead of working because there are no retirement funds provided for them here.

Huffington Post

This analogy should be retired.

The New York Times - Health

Some people think the label "outsider artist" should be retired.

The New York Times - Arts

So probably the term "Chicago School" should be retired.

The New Yorker

When he goes, he said, the number should be retired, too.

The New York Times - Sports

As final conclusion, Perumal et al. (2017) claimed that the NLM model should be retired from the literature of the Muskingum model.

Journal of Hydrology

But his actions are why the notion of loyalty in the NBA should be retired.

The Washington Post

All of those people who said he should be retired can eat their words now.

The Guardian - Sport

He told me after the Vermeille that maybe she should be retired.

The Guardian - Sport

It had been agreed a few summers earlier that horny shark should be retired.

The New Yorker

The board ordered in August that the logo and nickname, which the N.C.A.A. deems offensive, should be retired.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be retired" when suggesting the end of usage for something. For instance, you can say "that old chair should be retired" when implying the end of utilization.

Common error

Don't just say something "should be retired" without specifying a replacement or alternative. Offer a constructive solution to maintain continuity and avoid disruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be retired" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a recommendation or suggestion that something be taken out of service or use. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be retired" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to suggest the removal or replacement of something, like obsolete tech or ineffective policies. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common. Analysis reveals its frequent presence in news and media and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context for the suggestion, as vague suggestions can lack impact. Alternatives such as "ought to be discontinued" or "needs to be replaced" can offer subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be discontinued

Emphasizes the termination of something, highlighting the lack of future continuation.

needs to be replaced

Focuses on the act of substituting something with a newer or better alternative.

should be phased out

Suggests a gradual removal or cessation of something over time.

should be terminated

Implies a formal or abrupt ending, often in a more official or serious context.

should be abandoned

Highlights the act of completely giving up or ceasing to support something.

should be eliminated

Focuses on the complete removal of something, often because it is undesirable.

should be decommissioned

Specifically refers to the process of taking something out of active service, especially machinery or equipment.

should be superseded

Emphasizes that something has been replaced because it is outdated or less effective.

should be withdrawn

Indicates the removal of something from use or circulation.

is time to put out to pasture

This is an idiomatic expression, usually refers to retiring an old horse but can be used metaphorically to people.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be retired" to suggest that something is outdated, ineffective, or no longer suitable for its current purpose. For example, "This policy "should be retired" in favor of a more modern approach".

What's the difference between "should be retired" and "needs to be updated"?

"Should be retired" implies complete removal or cessation of use, while "needs to be updated" suggests modification or improvement is required. For instance, "this outdated software "should be retired"" versus "this document "needs to be updated"".

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

You can use alternatives like "ought to be discontinued", "needs to be replaced", or "should be phased out" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "should be retired"?

It's appropriate to use "should be retired" in contexts where something has outlived its usefulness, such as policies, equipment, or even ideas. However, consider the impact and sensitivity of your suggestion. For example, saying "that argument "should be retired"" in a debate can be perceived as dismissive.