should be subtracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be subtracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical or analytical contexts when indicating that a certain value or quantity needs to be removed from another. Example: "In order to find the net profit, the total expenses should be subtracted from the total revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In addition, the cost of undesired side effects of production, like pollution and work injuries, should be subtracted from output.

The New York Times

If an RX 300 is towing 3,500 pounds, the tongue weight would be 350 pounds, which should be subtracted from its 840-pound payload.

The New York Times

It also establishes a framework for measuring gross external damage, which should be subtracted from measures of value added to arrive at a measure of net value added.

The New York Times

Walter A. McDougall's assertion that 173,620 popular votes in Alabama should be subtracted from John F. Kennedy's popular total over Richard M. Nixon in the 1960 election is unconvincing.

The New York Times

But the result is that a Qaeda agent could go free in far less than 15 years, if the judge accepts Mr. Marri's argument that the eight years he has been detained should be subtracted.

The New York Times

As Senate Budget Committee Republicans count it, the $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts that Mr. Obama wants to negate, the $522 billion in Medicare physician reimbursement costs and the war savings from spending that was never going to happen should be subtracted from the $3 trillion in new deficit reduction that the White House is presenting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Instead, you should be subtracting what you save by not being home.

The New York Times

That is like saying that, since everyone knows the Republicans want to cut taxes, the amount that they do shouldn't be subtracted from revenue projections.

The New Yorker

For Mr Hollande the euro-zone fiscal capacity "should not be subtracted" from the EU budget, but rather added to it.

The Economist

The mean shape should then be subtracted from each of the shapes, after which they are subjected to a CPES analysis (or, relative warps analysis, which is mathematically identical) to generate the sole eigenshape.

Applications in Plant Sciences

The major finding at odds with standard clinical teaching is that the IOP change in the untreated eye during a uniocular trial should not be subtracted when assessing drug effectiveness.

BMC Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be subtracted" in technical writing, clearly state the units of measurement for both the original value and the value being subtracted to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that you correctly identify which value is the subtrahend (the value being subtracted) and which is the minuend (the value from which you are subtracting). Reversing these will lead to an incorrect result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be subtracted" functions as part of a passive voice construction. It indicates that a particular quantity or value is the recipient of the action of subtraction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be subtracted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in scientific, technical, and analytical domains. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to indicate that a specific deduction or removal is required for accurate calculations or assessments. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the units and values involved, and avoid reversing the subtrahend and minuend. Alternatives such as ""needs to be deducted"" or ""must be removed"" can offer variations in emphasis and formality, enabling more context-sensitive and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be deducted

Replaces "should be subtracted" with a more direct and emphatic expression of necessity.

must be removed

Emphasizes the mandatory aspect of the subtraction, focusing on the action of removing a value.

ought to be deducted

Uses "ought to" to convey a sense of moral obligation or advisability regarding the subtraction.

has to be taken away

Presents a more informal and active way of expressing the need for subtraction.

should be excluded

Focuses on the act of excluding a particular value from a set of values.

must be accounted for negatively

Highlights that the amount should be treated as a debit to obtain a correct balance.

is to be diminished

Highlights the effect of making something smaller or less

requires to be discounted

Indicates that a reduction or allowance is necessary, emphasizing the proportional decrease.

is liable to be reduced

Implies a probable decrease is needed

calls for a reduction

Suggests that circumstances indicate or necessitate a certain level of decreasing or scaling down.

FAQs

How do I use "should be subtracted" in a sentence?

Use "should be subtracted" to indicate that a value or quantity needs to be removed from another. For example, "The cost of materials "should be subtracted" from the total revenue to calculate profit".

What is a good alternative to "should be subtracted"?

Alternatives include "needs to be deducted", "must be removed", or "ought to be deducted", depending on the level of formality and emphasis required.

When is it appropriate to use "should be subtracted" in writing?

It's suitable in mathematical, financial, or analytical contexts where you need to specify that a value or quantity is to be taken away from another to arrive at a correct result. Clarity and precision are key.

What's the difference between "should be subtracted" and "should be deducted"?

While both convey the idea of removing a value, "should be subtracted" is more general and applicable in various contexts, whereas "should be deducted" is often used in financial or accounting scenarios, implying a formal reduction or allowance.