should be solved

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be solved" is a perfectly grammatical sentence fragment that can be used in written English.
For example: This problem should be solved before the end of the month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not every problem should be solved with batteries.

MIT Technology Review

We believe these problems should be solved by dialogue".

The New York Times

In realizing PC-PMC mainly two problems should be solved.

Digital Signal Processing

"Problems should be solved through knowledge, science and education," she said.

The New York Times

Second, many problems can and should be solved by better policies (including in the EU).

The Guardian

This is an issue which should be solved now - not in August - not after an election".

The Guardian

If there are problems in the logical space, this is probably where they should be solved.

The Guardian - Tech

But China's premier, Li Keqiang, said the issue should be solved through dialogue and negotiation.

The Washington Post

The problem should be solved in a few months, the company said.

The New York Times

Some of the problems are easier and should be solved individually from start to finish.

Princeton University

Do we over-legislate to solve social problems that should be solved in other ways?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be solved" to express that a problem or issue needs resolution, often implying a degree of obligation or expectation. For example, "This issue should be solved before the deadline."

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive construction "should be solved" with an awkward active voice. Instead of saying "Someone should solve this", consider "This should be solved" to keep the focus on the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be solved" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a particular issue or problem requires resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in framing an action that needs to be undertaken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be solved" is a grammatically correct and very common passive voice construction used to express the necessity or desirability of resolving a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. Its neutral register makes it versatile for both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, focus on clearly identifying the problem and the desired outcome, and consider the active voice only when the actor is essential to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be resolved

Focuses on the necessity of resolution, similar to "should be solved".

requires a solution

Highlights the need for a solution, differing slightly in emphasis from "should be solved".

ought to be addressed

Emphasizes the importance of addressing an issue, close in meaning to "should be solved".

must be dealt with

Indicates a mandatory action to handle a problem, conveying urgency.

demands attention

Stresses the need for immediate attention to a problem, implying it should be solved.

warrants resolution

Suggests that a situation justifies being solved, similar in formality.

calls for an answer

Highlights the need for an answer or resolution, slightly less direct than "should be solved".

is in need of fixing

Focuses on the aspect of fixing or repairing a problem.

begs for resolution

Emphasizes the strong need or desire for a problem to be resolved.

is crying out for a solution

Uses a more emphatic and figurative language to highlight the urgent necessity of finding a solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be solved" to indicate that a problem or issue needs resolution. For example, "The technical issues "need to be resolved"" or "This problem "requires a solution" immediately".

What are some alternatives to "should be solved"?

Alternatives include phrases like "needs to be resolved", "ought to be addressed", or ""requires a solution"". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "should be solved"?

The passive voice ("should be solved") is often preferred when the actor is unknown or unimportant. If the actor is important, you can use the active voice (e.g. "The team should solve the problem"), but in many cases the focus is on the problem itself.

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

"Should be solved" implies a recommendation or expectation, whereas "must be solved" indicates a necessity or obligation. "Must be solved" carries a stronger sense of urgency or importance.