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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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should be seconded

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be seconded" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as meetings or discussions, to indicate that a proposal or motion requires support from another member before it can proceed. Example: "The motion to increase the budget for the project should be seconded before we can move forward with the vote."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

An individual should Be seconded to CLAHRC-NDL as a DF, Line manage or be responsible for the DF in their employing organisation or Be a representative of the CLAHRC-NDL research team that the DF works into.

Science

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We should be first".

News & Media

The New York Times

"Everything should be third person," Mahaney agreed.

News & Media

The New Yorker

More important, he should be first-guessing.

"It should be second skin.

Maybe that should be first".

News & Media

The New York Times

The governor should be first among equals.

Of course, diet and exercise should be first.

In a democracy, no state should be first forever.

News & Media

The New York Times

To improve tight sandstone reservoirs evaluation, the pore structure should be first quantitatively evaluated.

To achieve any lasting effects, light energy should be first absorbed by materials.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be seconded" in formal settings when a motion or proposal needs a second to proceed. For example, in board meetings or formal debates.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "should be seconded" in informal writing. Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of saying "The proposal should be seconded by someone", say "Someone should second the proposal".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be seconded" functions primarily as a passive voice construction indicating a requirement for endorsement or support. As Ludwig AI indicates, it reflects a formal need for a seconding motion, typically within structured environments. It's used to highlight the procedural necessity of additional support before proceeding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be seconded" is a formal construction indicating that a motion or proposal requires support from another party to proceed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct but rare in usage. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase conveys a need for formal endorsement. When writing, remember to use this phrase in formal settings where protocol is important, and avoid overuse in informal contexts. Alternatives like "needs endorsement" or "requires a second" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

FAQs

How is "should be seconded" typically used?

The phrase "should be seconded" is generally used in formal settings, such as meetings, to indicate that a motion or proposal requires support from another member before it can be further considered.

What are some alternatives to "should be seconded"?

Alternatives include "needs endorsement", "requires a second", or "must be supported" depending on the context.

Is "should be seconded" formal or informal?

The phrase "should be seconded" is considered formal and is best suited for professional or official communications. More casual situations would call for simpler terms.

What does it mean for a proposal to "should be seconded"?

When a proposal "should be seconded", it means that at least one other person must formally support the proposal before it can be discussed or voted upon. The term implies that it's not just a good idea, but it needs a formal endorsement.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: