should be thought of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'should be thought of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to imply that something should be taken into account or given consideration. For example: "The potential consequences of nuclear war should be thought of carefully before any action is taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Housing should be thought of as a long-term investment".

The New York Times

Maybe the relationship should be thought of as a pyramid.

The New York Times

Rather it should be thought of as an association.

The Guardian

Cities, he said, should be thought of as rooms without ceilings.

The New Yorker

The environment, its proponents argue, should be thought of as a form of capital natural capital.

The Economist

Death should be thought of as the irreversible loss of such functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather, risk management should be thought of as any other commodity.

The Economist

It's something that really should be thought of in terms of decades".

The Guardian

Indeed, every year should be thought of as the first year of a new program.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's not the way clinical trials should be thought of, in our opinion".

The New York Times

Nikolić suggests that this should be thought of as "ideaesthesia", or sensing ideas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates why the suggested perspective is beneficial or relevant. Provide supporting information to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "should be thought of" excessively in passive constructions, as this can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Consider active voice alternatives for a more direct and impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be thought of" functions as a modal expression indicating a recommended or advisable way of perceiving or interpreting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It suggests a particular viewpoint is beneficial or necessary for understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be thought of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to recommend or encourage a particular perspective or interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. To use it effectively, ensure the context supports the recommended viewpoint and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives like "ought to be regarded as" can add formality when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be understood as

Emphasizes comprehension and interpretation.

ought to be regarded as

Replaces "should be thought of" with a more formal and emphatic expression of necessity or obligation.

could be considered as

Changes the modal verb, suggesting a possibility rather than a recommendation.

might be viewed as

Introduces a sense of perspective, implying that the interpretation is subjective.

must be conceived as

Emphasizes the importance of a particular conceptualization.

should be deemed as

Uses a more formal term ("deemed") to suggest a formal judgment or opinion.

needs to be perceived as

Shifts the focus to the necessity of a particular perception.

is worth considering as

Highlights the value of regarding something in a certain way.

can be interpreted as

Focuses on the act of interpretation, suggesting multiple possible meanings.

is best regarded as

Indicates that a particular way of viewing something is superior or more beneficial.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should be thought of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "ought to be regarded as" or "must be conceived as", which convey a stronger sense of necessity or obligation.

What's the difference between "should be thought of" and "could be considered as"?

"Should be thought of" suggests a recommendation or an ideal perspective, whereas "could be considered as" implies a possibility or one of several potential interpretations.

Is it always necessary to include 'as' after 'thought of'?

While it's common to see "should be thought of as", the "as" can sometimes be omitted depending on the sentence structure and the intended meaning. However, including "as" often provides clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "should be thought of" in academic writing?

It's appropriate when you're proposing a particular framework, perspective, or interpretation of a concept or phenomenon. For example, "The data "should be understood as" indicative of a broader trend".