should be worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be worried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or anxiety about a situation or outcome that may affect someone. Example: "Given the recent events, she should be worried about the potential consequences of her actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We should be worried.

The New York Times

"It should be worried".

The New York Times

They should be worried".

The New Yorker

Londoners should be worried.

The Economist

Actually, they should be worried.

The New York Times

STEEL users should be worried.

The Economist

Ms Mayer should be worried.

Independent

We definitely should be worried".

The New York Times

Still, Chertoff should be worried.

The New Yorker

Houston should be worried.

The Guardian - Sport

Cameron should be worried.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be worried" to express a logical or reasonable expectation of concern, based on the circumstances. For example, "Given the declining sales figures, the CEO should be worried about the company's future."

Common error

Avoid using "should be worried" to dismiss someone's genuine fears or anxieties. Acknowledge their feelings instead of implying they are unwarranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be worried" primarily functions as a means of expressing an opinion or judgment that someone has a valid reason to be concerned about a specific situation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. Examples showcase various scenarios, from political anxieties to business risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be worried" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a person or entity has a valid reason for concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and usable across various contexts. The phrase's frequency is high, primarily appearing in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science-related content, reflecting its versatile nature in conveying potential risks or problems. When using the phrase, consider alternatives such as "ought to be concerned" or "has reason to worry" for nuanced expression. Avoid misusing it to dismiss genuine anxieties, and ensure its appropriateness in the given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be concerned

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a sense of duty or moral obligation to be worried.

has reason to worry

Focuses on the justification for worry, rather than the obligation.

needs to be anxious

Substitutes "worried" with "anxious", emphasizing the emotional state.

has cause for concern

Emphasizes the existence of a reason to be worried, using a more formal tone.

it is alarming

Shifts the focus to the alarming nature of the situation, rather than the individual's feeling.

the situation is concerning

Highlights the worrying aspects of the situation itself.

one must be apprehensive

Uses more formal language to express a feeling of unease or anxiety.

it warrants concern

Indicates that the situation is serious enough to justify worry.

it gives cause for alarm

Similar to "has cause for concern", but with a stronger sense of urgency.

prudence dictates concern

Suggests that it is wise and cautious to be worried about the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "should be worried" to express that someone has a good reason to feel concerned about a situation. For example, "If the project is behind schedule, the team "should be worried" about meeting the deadline."

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

Alternatives to "should be worried" include "ought to be concerned", "has reason to worry", or "needs to be anxious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "should be worried"?

While grammatically correct, using "should be worried" might be inappropriate if it dismisses someone's feelings or implies they are overreacting. Consider the context and the potential impact on the listener.

What's the difference between "should be worried" and "should be concerned"?

While similar, "should be worried" often implies a higher level of anxiety or fear than "should be concerned". "Concerned" can indicate a milder level of apprehension or a general interest in a matter.