should be sexy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be sexy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are expressing an opinion or expectation about something being attractive or appealing in a certain way.
Example: "The new marketing campaign should be sexy to attract a younger audience."
Alternatives: "ought to be appealing" or "must be attractive".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They should be sexy".

The New York Times

"The new philanthropy should be sexy and fun," he told me.

The New Yorker

The women in your script should be sexy without trying and another thing.

The New Yorker

According to the law of precedent, Norman Lebrecht should be sexy.

The Guardian - Books

By John Colapinto Trevor Neilson says that philanthropy should be "sexy and fun" — and not anonymous.

The New Yorker

When Stefan Boublil, right, was hired to design a new Thai restaurant called Peep, he was told it should be "sexy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Again, they should not be sexy and you should avoid thongs and g-strings.

WikiHow

Sometimes a gadget has an unquantifiable and intangible attractiveness to it, something that shouldn't be sexy but somehow is.

TechCrunch

We Spent 24 Hours with a Pornstar Couple.

Vice

Then he marveled at the fact that she's a mother, as if mothers can't (or shouldn't) be sexy.

Huffington Post

I don't care who you are; when you tell me that I can't or shouldn't be sexy because I am trans, you are wrong.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "should be sexy", ensure the context is appropriate and the intended meaning is clear. The term "sexy" can be subjective, so clarify what specific qualities are considered sexy in that context. For example, "the marketing campaign should be sexy, using bold colors and dynamic imagery".

Common error

Avoid using "sexy" as a general term of approval without specifying what makes something sexy. Saying "this new software should be sexy" is vague. Instead, specify the features that make it appealing: "the new software should be sexy, with a sleek interface and intuitive design".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be sexy" functions as a modal phrase expressing an expectation or recommendation. As shown by Ludwig, it often appears in contexts where aesthetic appeal or attractiveness is desired. The modal verb "should" indicates a suggestion or soft obligation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be sexy" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey a desired attribute of attractiveness or appeal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers examples across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure appropriateness, and be specific about what constitutes "sexy" in that scenario. Alternatives such as "ought to be appealing" or "needs to be attractive" can offer a less provocative tone if needed.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be appealing

Replaces "should" with "ought to", softening the obligation while keeping the focus on attractiveness.

needs to be attractive

Emphasizes the necessity of being attractive, changing the modal verb and adjective.

must be alluring

Uses "must" for stronger emphasis and "alluring" as a more evocative synonym for sexy.

has to be desirable

Shifts the focus to desirability, implying attractiveness as a component.

should be enticing

Replaces "sexy" with "enticing", suggesting a quality that draws people in subtly.

should be glamorous

Focuses on the glamorous aspect, indicating a stylish and attractive quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be sexy" to express an expectation or desire for something to be attractive or appealing. For example, "The new design should be sexy and modern" or "The product packaging should be sexy to attract more buyers".

What's a less provocative alternative to "should be sexy"?

If you're aiming for a less provocative tone, you could use phrases like "should be appealing", "should be attractive", or "should be enticing". These alternatives convey a similar sense of desirability without the same level of directness.

Is it always appropriate to use "should be sexy" in professional contexts?

No, the appropriateness of "should be sexy" depends heavily on the context. It might be suitable in marketing or design discussions, but it could be inappropriate in more formal or conservative environments. Consider your audience and the specific goals of your communication.

What does it mean when someone says something "should be sexy"?

When someone says something "should be sexy", they generally mean that it should be attractive, appealing, and desirable. The specific interpretation can vary depending on the subject. For example, a "sexy" car might be sleek and fast, while a "sexy" marketing campaign might be bold and attention-grabbing.