should be trying

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be trying" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or behavior is recommended or should be attempted. For example: "I know times have been tough lately, but you should be trying to improve your situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They should be trying to attract riders.

The New York Times

We should be trying to come together".

The New Yorker

Government policy should be trying to increase real saving.

The New York Times

We should be trying to live together," Drali said.

The Guardian

Clearly, schools should be trying to prevent bullying.

The New York Times - Health

The Voice should be trying to do something different, surely?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That is what Britain should be trying to do".

The Guardian

"We should be trying to change Saudi behavior".

The New York Times

"I should be trying something bold," Ashe says.

The New Yorker

"Or should be trying to, if they're not already".

The New York Times - Books

We should be trying out lots of permutations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be trying" to express recommendations or suggestions, not strict commands. For example, "The company should be trying to reduce its carbon footprint" suggests a desirable action, not a mandatory one.

Common error

While "should be trying" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less authoritative. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "must ensure" or "is required to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be trying" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating advice, suggestion, or a recommended course of action. It expresses that an action is desirable or necessary, particularly when emphasizing an ongoing effort. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be trying" is a frequently used modal verb phrase that conveys a sense of recommendation or obligation, typically suggesting a sustained effort. Ludwig's examples show it's prevalent in news and media, but also found across diverse contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, remember to consider context and formality when choosing the best phrasing for your writing. Using more formal language may be a better substitute if you want to convey a stronger message or more authority in an academic or professional context. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and can be used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should aim to

Substitutes "trying" with "aim to", shifting the focus to the goal or objective.

ought to attempt

Replaces "should" with "ought to" and "trying" with "attempt", indicating a moral obligation.

are encouraged to pursue

Suggests that the action is supported or approved, using a passive construction.

need to strive

Uses "need to" instead of "should" and "strive" instead of "trying", suggesting a necessity for effort.

are advised to make an effort

Recommends that effort be made, suggesting a practical course of action.

must endeavor to

Employs "must" for a stronger obligation and "endeavor to" as a more formal alternative to "trying".

would benefit from pursuing

Indicates that there would be a positive outcome from the action, rather than a direct obligation.

it would be advisable to seek

Presents the action as recommended or prudent, using more formal language.

it is recommended to work towards

Emphasizes the recommendation aspect with a focus on continuous effort.

it's best to give a shot

Offers a more informal and colloquial alternative, implying a casual attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be trying" to suggest an action or behavior is recommended or advisable. For example, "We "should be trying" to find a solution to this problem."

What are some alternatives to "should be trying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ought to attempt", "need to strive", or "should aim to".

Is it better to say "should try" or "should be trying"?

The choice depends on the context. "Should try" suggests a one-time attempt, while "should be trying" implies a continuous effort or process. For example, "You should try calling them" versus "You "should be trying" to reach them regularly".

In what situations is "should be trying" most appropriate?

"Should be trying" is most appropriate when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of an effort or when recommending a sustained course of action. For instance, "The government "should be trying" to improve public health" suggests a continuous effort.