should both be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should both be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two subjects that are expected to share a common characteristic or condition. Example: "The results of the experiment should both be analyzed thoroughly to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But if Ricaurte's studies are true, Greg and I should both be dead.

The New York Times - Science

For effective processing of depositories, the wastes' physico-chemical properties and depository characteristics should both be taken into account.

Journal of Environmental Management

At the population level, anti-stigma campaigns and regulation should both be explored.

BMC Public Health

This study provides supportive evidence that protein and fat should both be considered in insulin dosing.

Diabetes Care

"They should both be heroes," he said.

The New York Times

The guy's dying: they should both be there.

The Guardian - Film

That is the track they should both be scrambling to get back on to now.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have two thieves leading our Congress and they should both be in prison," said Mr. Costa, the anticorruption activist.

The New York Times

How curious, I told Paul, that the two most interesting politicians in Minnesota at the moment should both be wrestlers.

The New York Times

As long as we repeat or improve our votes from last time, we should both be elected," he said.

The Guardian

It seems apposite that these shows, which I saw back-to-back, should both be about revisiting the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should both be", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the action or state applies equally and individually to both subjects. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the condition or action directly after the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "should both be" when the intended action or state is not directly and equally applicable to each subject. For example, instead of saying "The reports from John and Mary should both be detailed", specify that "John's report should be detailed, and Mary's report should also be detailed" to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should both be" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a recommendation, expectation, or obligation that applies equally to two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and widely usable. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from scientific studies to everyday advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should both be" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a recommendation, expectation, or obligation applicable to two subjects. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely usable in English. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts and has a neutral register. To ensure clarity, always confirm that the intended action or state applies equally to both subjects. If a stronger sense of obligation is needed, consider alternatives like "must both be". Remember to avoid misapplication by specifying actions for non-identical subjects clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to both be

Replaces "should" with "ought to", conveying a sense of moral obligation or advisability.

must both be

Substitutes "should" with "must", indicating a stronger sense of necessity or requirement.

need to both be

Emphasizes the necessity of both subjects fulfilling a certain condition or action.

are required to both be

Formally states that both subjects are obligated to be in a particular state or perform an action.

are expected to both be

Highlights an expectation for both subjects to meet a certain standard or condition.

are supposed to both be

Implies a general expectation or agreement for both subjects to be in a certain state.

it is recommended that both be

Formally suggests or advises that both subjects should be in a specific state or undertake an action.

it is advisable that both be

Highlights the prudence or wisdom of both subjects conforming to a particular state or action.

it is essential that both be

Stresses the critical importance of both subjects being in a certain state or performing an action.

it is imperative that both be

Conveys an urgent need for both subjects to be in a specific condition or to carry out an action.

FAQs

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

Use "should both be" when you want to express that two distinct subjects ought to share a common characteristic or fulfill a similar condition. For example, "The apples and oranges should both be ripe before selling them".

What are some alternatives to "should both be"?

You can use alternatives such as "ought to both be", "must both be", or "are required to both be", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "should both be" and "must both be"?

"Should both be" suggests a recommendation or expectation, whereas "must both be" implies a stronger necessity or obligation. The choice depends on the context and the degree of emphasis required.

Can "should both be" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "should both be" is appropriate for formal writing. However, for added emphasis or clarity in formal contexts, you might consider using alternatives like "are required to both be" or "it is essential that both be".