should be used

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are giving advice or making a suggestion. For example: "For safety, protective equipment should be used when working with hazardous materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No soda should be used.

The New York Times

But this should be used".

The New York Times - Books

What media should be used?

Encyclopedia Britannica

They should be used conservatively.

The Guardian - Books

Neither intimidation nor coercion should be used.

The Economist

"They should be used highly selectively.

Independent

New Yorkers should be used to change.

The New York Times - Sports

Fresh pans should be used.

The New York Times

What mechanisms should be used?

Cornell University

Which shell should be used?

University of California, Berkeley

What other words should be used?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer alternatives like "must be used" or "needs to be used" when conveying something is essential, not just recommended.

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple passive constructions using "should be used" together in long sentences. Break them down for clarity. For example, instead of "The tool should be used, and after it should be cleaned", try "Use the tool, then clean it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be used" functions as an auxiliary verb combined with the passive voice. This construction is used to express recommendations, suggestions, or requirements in a non-assertive way. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be used" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase, widely employed to convey recommendations, suggestions, or requirements. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts, as demonstrated by numerous examples. While it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it is also prevalent in academic and general writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who or what is expected to use the subject, and be mindful of avoiding overuse in complex sentences to maintain readability. Alternatives like "ought to be utilized" or "must be used" can add nuance depending on the intended level of obligation. Always choose the phrasing that best fits the context to ensure your message is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be employed

Synonymous with "should be used", emphasizing a deliberate application.

ought to be utilized

Formal alternative with a stronger sense of obligation.

needs to be used

Indicates a requirement, but perhaps less formal than "must".

must be used

Expresses a stronger requirement or necessity.

is advised to be used

Similar to 'is recommended' but with a slightly stronger emphasis on counsel.

is recommended to be used

Implies advice or suggestion rather than a strict rule.

could be applied

Suggests a potential application, often conditional.

can be implemented

Focuses on the possibility or feasibility of use.

may be adopted

Suggests an option that is available for use.

is suitable for use

Indicates appropriateness and fitness for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be used" to give a recommendation or suggestion. For example, "This tool "should be used" with caution".

What's the difference between "should be used" and "must be used"?

"Should be used" suggests a recommendation or advice, while "must be used" indicates a necessity or requirement. "Safety goggles "must be used" in the lab" implies it's mandatory, whereas "Safety goggles "should be used" in the lab" suggests it's a good practice.

What can I say instead of "should be used"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ought to be used", "is recommended to be used", or "needs to be used".

Is "should be use" grammatically correct instead of "should be used"?

No, "should be use" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""should be used"", as it employs the past participle form of the verb "use" to create a passive construction.