should be spurned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be spurned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is to be rejected or dismissed with disdain. Example: "In our society, any form of discrimination should be spurned as it goes against our values of equality and respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

These smart-alec debating points do not disguise the fact that much of what we (and the US) eat is repellent, is produced in dire conditions and contains ingredients that should be spurned.

The Guardian - Books

When President Obama uses his State of the Union address on Tuesday to rally America to "outbuild" other nations, he will face an unusual challenge: getting Republicans to embrace public works projects again as the kind of worthy bacon they have traditionally fought to bring home, and not as wasteful pork that should be spurned.

The New York Times

Stinginess should be spurned.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

One reader, however, said the hot city should not be spurned.

The New York Times

In Catholic doctrine, the argument is based on the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" (made applicable under the New Covenant by Jesus in Matthew 19 18), as well as the idea that life is a gift given by God which should not be spurned, and that suicide is against the "natural order" and thus interferes with God's master plan for the world.

Wikipedia

We're not saying the supermarkets are forces of evil to be spurned.

Forbes

Yet the temptation to academic Pecksniffery should be firmly spurned; if this book has no fresh evidence or interpretation, it has something more valuable in a biography - an instinctive feel for the subject.

The Guardian - Books

Another common theme in cases he handles, Mr. Weisberg said, is that "the one who was spurned gets terminated or doesn't get the promotion they thought they should get and decides to sue".

The New York Times

These have been spurned.

The Economist

That advice has been spurned.

The Guardian

Rodgers' group, Chic, were spurned a record 11th time.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be spurned" when you want to strongly suggest something ought to be rejected because it is harmful, unethical, or undesirable. It adds a tone of moral disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "should be spurned" in casual conversation. It sounds overly formal and can come across as pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "should be avoided" or "should be rejected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be spurned" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a recommendation or necessity for rejection. It suggests that something deserves to be strongly avoided or rejected, often due to moral or ethical reasons. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and provides examples where it is used to express disapproval.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be spurned" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that carries a strong connotation of rejection and disapproval. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness, while examples show usage in varied contexts like news, media, and encyclopedias. Although "should be spurned" may not be as common as similar phrases like "ought to be rejected" or "must be avoided", it has a distinct purpose and can be highly effective when a formal and morally charged tone is appropriate. Writers should, however, use it sparingly in casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal or pretentious. Remember that this phrase marks a negative opinion and should be used as such.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be rejected

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a moral obligation to reject.

must be avoided

Emphasizes the necessity of avoidance.

needs to be shunned

Uses "shunned" to suggest a more deliberate and forceful rejection.

should be dismissed

Focuses on disregarding or ignoring something.

should be repudiated

Suggests a formal and strong disavowal.

should be declined

Implies a polite refusal.

should be forsworn

Conveys a sense of solemnly rejecting something.

is to be scorned

Uses "scorned" to convey contempt and disdain.

should be abandoned

Suggests leaving something behind completely.

should be disavowed

Focuses on denying responsibility for or connection with something.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be spurned" to express that something deserves strong rejection or avoidance. For example, "Any form of discrimination "should be spurned" in a just society".

What phrases are similar to "should be spurned"?

Alternatives include "ought to be rejected", "must be avoided", or "needs to be shunned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "should be spurned"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal writing or speech when you want to express a strong moral or ethical disapproval of something. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "should be spurned" and "should be avoided"?

"Should be avoided" implies a general recommendation to keep away from something. "Should be spurned" carries a stronger connotation of moral rejection and disdain. "Should be spurned" suggests something is not just undesirable, but actively contemptible.