should be upgraded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be upgraded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something needs to be improved or enhanced in quality or functionality. Example: "The software is outdated and should be upgraded to the latest version to ensure optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Air filtration should be upgraded in landmark buildings.

The New York Times

Practices with low volume and unacceptable results should be upgraded or eliminated to protect the public.

The New York Times

The Met unit should be upgraded to a round-the-clock "central hub" operation, MPs recommend.

The Guardian

Standard conventional systems have very poor environmental performances and should be upgraded as far as possible.

Science of The Total Environment

No doubt, Army recruiting standards have declined and should be upgraded.

The New York Times

"I would think that the telephone directory services are something that should be upgraded," she said.

The New York Times

For these reasons, an unsupported end-of-life operating system should be upgraded to today's standards.

Stanford University

Carmakers differ in their philosophies of how vehicles should be upgraded.

The New York Times

Pentagon officials are now arguing that two of the failing grades should be upgraded to passing, several Pentagon officials said.

The New York Times

Therefore, to fully address the issue, current exiting power systems should be upgraded to the advanced power grid.

Solar Energy

He declined to say if causing a worker's death by willfully ignoring safety rules should be upgraded to a felony.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be upgraded", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific aspects need improvement. For example, "The software should be upgraded to improve security features."

Common error

Avoid using "should be upgraded" without specifying what needs upgrading. Instead of saying "The system should be upgraded", clarify with "The system's security protocols should be upgraded."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be upgraded" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation or suggestion for improvement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to indicate that something needs to be enhanced or modernized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be upgraded" is a common and grammatically sound way to suggest improvements or enhancements. According to Ludwig, its AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. Analysis reveals it functions primarily to recommend or advocate for improvements, whether it's a system, a process, or an item. While the phrase is versatile enough for various registers, it's essential to provide specific details about what requires the upgrade to avoid vagueness. The most authoritative sources using the phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes, underscoring its widespread acceptance across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be enhanced

Uses "must" to convey a stronger sense of obligation or necessity.

needs to be improved

Uses a different verb and passive voice structure.

requires an upgrade

Employs a noun phrase to express the need for enhancement.

ought to be enhanced

Substitutes "should" with "ought to" and "upgraded" with "enhanced".

would benefit from an upgrade

Expresses the idea of improvement as a benefit.

is due for an overhaul

Indicates a comprehensive and thorough upgrade is needed.

is in need of modernization

Focuses on the aspect of modernization as the required improvement.

demands immediate improvement

Emphasizes the urgency of the required upgrade.

warrants a higher standard

Shifts focus to the level of quality that needs to be attained.

calls for a revision

Suggests a more general need for changes and updates.

FAQs

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

Use "should be upgraded" to suggest improvements or enhancements. For example, "The existing infrastructure "should be upgraded" to support new technologies".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "should be upgraded"?

Alternatives include phrases like "needs to be improved", "requires an upgrade", or "must be enhanced" depending on the desired nuance.

Is it better to use "should be upgraded" or "needs upgrading"?

Both "should be upgraded" and "needs upgrading" are correct. "Should be upgraded" is more formal, while "needs upgrading" is more conversational. Choose based on the context and audience.

Which is correct, "should be upgraded" or "should upgrade"?

"Should be upgraded" indicates a passive voice, meaning something is receiving the upgrade. "Should upgrade" means someone is performing the upgrade. The correct choice depends on the sentence's intended meaning.