should be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be understood" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something should be interpreted in a particular way. For example, "The consequences of this decision should be understood carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That should be understood by now.

The New York Times - Sports

At the outset, three points should be understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The message is clear, it should be understood fully….

The New Yorker

The Lied should be understood as theatre, as psychodrama.

The Guardian - Arts

Such events should be understood within a wider context.

The Guardian - Opinion

(America's budget fights should be understood in this context).

The Economist

"Art should be understood without any explanations," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"All talk should be understood by both genders".

The New York Times

It should be understood, too, that Britain's national interest is engaged here.

The Guardian - Opinion

That should be understood as a notional ideal and a real-life impossibility.

The New Yorker

Some of Kiriakou's supporters say that his openness with journalists should be understood in these terms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be understood", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect needs specific interpretation. For example, instead of saying "This should be understood", specify "This concept should be understood in the context of global economics".

Common error

Avoid using "should be understood" excessively in passive voice, which can make your writing sound vague and less engaging. Opt for active voice where possible to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The report should be understood by everyone", try "Everyone should understand the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be understood" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or recommendation for a particular interpretation or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase highlights that an idea or concept requires specific understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

59%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be understood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the necessity of interpreting something in a particular way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and useful phrase in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, most commonly in news and scientific domains, implying a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the specific interpretation required and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Consider alternatives like "ought to be understood" or "needs to be understood" to fine-tune the emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "should be understood" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be understood

Replaces "should" with "ought to", providing a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

needs to be understood

Substitutes "should" with "needs to", highlighting the necessity of understanding.

must be understood

Replaces "should" with "must", indicating a higher degree of obligation or importance in understanding.

has to be understood

Similar to "must be understood", this alternative emphasizes the requirement for comprehension.

is to be understood

This phrasing offers a slightly more formal and emphatic way to express that something needs to be interpreted in a specific manner.

is meant to be understood

Highlights the intended way something should be interpreted, adding a layer of intention.

requires understanding

Shifts the focus to the act of understanding itself, emphasizing what is required.

demands comprehension

Strongly emphasizes the need for a complete and thorough understanding.

warrants interpretation

Focuses on the need for a specific interpretation, often in complex or ambiguous situations.

calls for recognition

Shifts the focus from understanding to recognizing the significance or importance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be understood" to indicate that something needs to be interpreted or comprehended in a particular way. For example, "The urgency of the situation "should be understood" in Washington and in Europe."

What are some alternatives to "should be understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ought to be understood", "needs to be understood", or "must be understood", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the necessity of a specific interpretation or comprehension of a concept, situation, or statement. For example, "The co-digestion plants "should be understood" as autonomous units."

What's the difference between "should be understood" and "should be comprehended"?

While both phrases suggest a need for understanding, "should be understood" is more general, implying a basic grasp of the subject. "Should be comprehended" suggests a deeper, more thorough level of understanding is required.