should be returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be returned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is expected to be sent back or given back to its original owner or place. Example: "All borrowed items should be returned by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Afghanistan should be returned to all Afghans.

The New York Times

These cultural relics should be returned".

The New York Times

He said "power should be returned to the people".

The Economist

Bowles agrees he should be returned to his burial place.

Independent

The revenue raised should be returned to Americans.

The New York Times

Three Austrian academics decided that the paintings should be returned.

The Economist

"He should be returned to the United States".

The Guardian

The court later ordered that the files should be returned.

The Guardian - Business

Control of patients' data should be returned to the patient.

The Guardian

There is a judgment and the works should be returned.

The Guardian

I believe it should be returned to the taxpayers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be returned", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is expected to return something, and to whom or where it should be returned. Clarity prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "should be returned by itself without specifying the subject or object, as it can lead to ambiguity. Always clarify who is responsible for the return and what is being returned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be returned" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses an expectation, recommendation, or obligation that something is to be given back or restored. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and prevalent across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be returned" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating an expectation, recommendation, or obligation for something to be given back. As Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's essential to use it with clarity, specifying the subject and object to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "ought to be returned" or "must be returned" exist, the best choice depends on the strength of the obligation you wish to convey. Given its prevalence in news and media, this phrase is appropriate for neutral contexts but can also appear in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be returned

Uses a different modal verb, "ought", which conveys a similar sense of obligation or expectation as "should".

must be returned

Emphasizes a stronger obligation, indicating a requirement rather than a suggestion.

needs to be returned

Highlights the necessity of the action, focusing on the requirement.

is to be returned

More formal phrasing, indicating a planned or scheduled return.

has to be returned

Similar to "must be returned", but slightly less formal.

is required to be returned

A more explicit and formal way of stating the obligation for something to be returned.

return is expected

Shifts the focus to the expectation of the return, rather than the obligation.

it is expected that it will be returned

Expresses the expected return of something with a more verbose and formal structure.

returning is necessary

Focuses on the necessity of the act of returning something.

the item is due back

Implies an expected return date or timeframe for an item.

FAQs

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

Use "should be returned" to express an expectation or obligation for something to be given back, for example: "Borrowed books should be returned on time" or "The stolen artifacts should be returned to their country of origin".

What are some alternatives to "should be returned"?

Alternatives include "ought to be returned", "must be returned", or "needs to be returned", depending on the level of obligation you want to convey.

Is "should be return" grammatically correct?

No, "should be return" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "should be returned", using the past participle of the verb "return" to form the passive voice.

When is it appropriate to use "should be returned" versus "must be returned"?

"Should be returned" implies a recommendation or expectation, while "must be returned" indicates a firm requirement or obligation. Choose the phrase that best reflects the strength of the obligation in your context.