should be told that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be told that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone needs to be informed about something important or necessary. Example: "The students should be told that the exam has been rescheduled to next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And if she doesn't cooperate in that more than she has, the public should be told that clearly.

Huffington Post

He should be told that firmly.

The Economist

("Everybody should be told that Thomas Friedman is dangerous to society").

The New Yorker

Trump should be told that firing Mueller would automatically be considered grounds for impeachment.

The Washington Post

Miller replied to her editor that "Edna should be told that maybe there is a war on …".

The New York Times

Even if the $80 were returned, your friend should be told that an employee might be untrustworthy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps Nick Clegg should be told that his Liberal Democrats in Lewisham are up to their old dirty tricks.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they should be told that it is more expensive than purchasing simple insurance for the same coverage.

The New York Times

We paid for it," he would say, and Panama should be told that "we intend to keep it".

The New York Times

LOW PRESSURE Witnesses should be told that the suspect may or may not be in the lineup so they will not feel compelled to pick an image.

The New York Times

Young Americans, who have an idea of the pure scientist worthy of the comics, should be told that Einstein reads the Greeks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be told that", ensure the information is factual and relevant to the recipient's understanding or decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "should be told that" in favor of more direct and active phrasing when possible. This can make your writing more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be told that" functions as a modal phrase indicating necessity or recommendation. It introduces a statement that someone needs to receive particular information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be told that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey the necessity of informing someone about something. It appears most often in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. When writing, ensure the information is relevant and factual. While it is generally acceptable, consider more direct and active phrasing when appropriate to avoid overuse of passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be informed that

Emphasizes the act of conveying information.

needs to be told that

Highlights the necessity of the information being conveyed.

ought to be informed that

Adds a layer of obligation or advisability to the act of informing.

must be advised that

Implies a stronger requirement to provide the information, often in formal settings.

should be notified that

Focuses on the act of formal notification.

it is important to tell them that

Highlights the importance of conveying the information.

they have to be told that

Emphasizes the obligation or requirement for informing someone.

it is crucial to inform them that

Stresses the criticality of the information being shared.

it's essential to let them know that

Focuses on the essential nature of communicating the information.

someone should advise them that

Shifts the focus to the act of advising and who should do it.

FAQs

How can I use "should be told that" in a sentence?

Use "should be told that" to indicate that someone needs to receive specific information. For example: "The students "should be told that" the exam has been rescheduled to next week."

What is a more formal alternative to "should be told that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "must be advised that" or "ought to be informed that".

Is it always necessary to use "should be told that"?

No, depending on the context, you might opt for a more direct statement. Instead of "The manager "should be told that" the project is delayed", you could say "Inform the manager about the project delay".

What's the difference between "should be told that" and "should know that"?

"Should be told that" implies the act of informing someone of new information. "Should know that" suggests that the person is expected to already possess the information, but it's being reiterated for emphasis or confirmation.