should do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are suggesting an action that someone should take. For example: "If you want to be successful, you should do some research and create a business plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We should do better".

The New York Times

He should do more.

The New York Times

It should do so.

The New York Times

It should do neither.

The New York Times

Investments should do better.

The Economist

We should do something".

The New Yorker

More should do so.

The Economist

It should do better.

The Economist

He should do that".

The New York Times - Sports

He should do so.

The New York Times

"You should do fine".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should do" to offer a suggestion or recommendation, providing a polite way to express what you believe is the right course of action. For example: "If you want to improve your writing, you "should do" more reading."

Common error

While "should do" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more direct verbs or phrases to convey authority and conviction. For example, instead of "The report should do more analysis", consider "The report must analyze the data more thoroughly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should do" primarily functions as a modal verb construction indicating advice, recommendation, or expectation. As evidenced by Ludwig, it suggests a course of action deemed appropriate or desirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should do" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express recommendations, suggestions, or expectations. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness is not disputed, and it finds widespread use across various contexts, from news articles and business communications to informal advice. While alternatives like "ought to do" or "need to do" exist, "should do" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it's a common and reliable phrase for conveying appropriate or desirable actions. When crafting your message, keep the suggestion of authority in mind as you apply "should do".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to do

Emphasizes a moral obligation or duty.

need to do

Indicates a requirement or necessity.

have to do

Implies a strong obligation, often imposed by external factors.

must do

Conveys a very strong obligation or necessity, often with a sense of urgency.

are advised to do

Suggests a recommendation, often from an authority.

would benefit from doing

Focuses on the positive outcome of performing the action.

it is recommended to do

Presents the action as a formal suggestion.

it's best to do

Highlights the action as the optimal choice.

are expected to do

Indicates an anticipated action, often within a professional or formal setting.

are required to do

Stresses a mandatory action with legal or procedural implications.

FAQs

How can I use "should do" in a sentence?

The phrase "should do" is used to express a recommendation, suggestion, or expectation. For example: "You should do your homework before watching TV" or "The company should do more to support its employees".

What are some alternatives to "should do"?

Alternatives to "should do" include "ought to do", "need to do", "have to do", or "must do", depending on the level of obligation or recommendation you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "should do"?

It's appropriate to use "should do" when you want to give advice, make a suggestion, or express a soft obligation. It's less forceful than "must" or "have to", making it suitable for polite recommendations.

Is there a difference between "should do" and "must do"?

Yes, "should do" implies a suggestion or recommendation, while "must do" indicates a strong obligation or necessity. "You should do your taxes" suggests it's a good idea, while "You must do your taxes" implies it's legally required.