should never happen

USAGE SUMMARY

'should never happen' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as an expression of how you think something should not occur. For example: This tragedy should never happen again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That should never happen.

The New York Times

"This should never happen," says Lindquist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Life-threatening accidents should never happen.

The New York Times

"This should never happen to children".

The New York Times

"This should never happen again," she said.

The New York Times

One thing is certain: This should never happen again.

The New York Times

It should never happen, at least, hardly ever.

The New York Times - Health

And the customer losses and resulting hardships that happened at MF Global should never happen again.

The New York Times

"It should not have happened and it should never happen again," he said.

Independent

"That's one thing that should never happen in a baseball game.

The New York Times - Sports

The world should never, ever forget what happened and that it should never happen again".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should never happen", ensure the context clearly indicates why the event is undesirable and what actions can prevent it. This strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "should never happen" for minor inconveniences or trivial situations. Overusing it dilutes its impact. Reserve it for serious issues or events where prevention is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should never happen" functions as a modal expression of strong disapproval and the belief that an event is preventable. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts ranging from preventing accidents to rectifying errors, emphasizing a commitment to avoiding negative outcomes. Ludwig AI correctly identifies it as grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should never happen" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to convey strong disapproval and a commitment to preventing undesirable events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, though it's most impactful when reserved for serious issues. Remember to consider similar phrases like "ought not to occur" for more formal settings and to ensure the context clearly explains why the event is unacceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought not to occur

Uses a more formal modal verb, "ought", to express a similar sentiment of something undesirable happening.

must not take place

Emphasizes a stronger sense of prohibition and prevention.

is unacceptable

Focuses on the notion that something is not tolerable or permissible.

cannot be allowed

Highlights the idea that permission or acceptance for something is withheld.

is out of the question

Indicates something is not worth considering or permitting.

is simply not an option

States that something is not a viable or permissible choice.

is not permissible

Focuses on the lack of permission or authorization for something.

is totally avoidable

Emphasizes that an event can be prevented through actions or decisions.

needs to be prevented

Calls for active measures to stop something from occurring.

is beyond the pale

Indicates something is completely unacceptable and outside the bounds of what is considered appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "should never happen" in a sentence?

You can use "should never happen" to express that something unacceptable or undesirable should be prevented. For instance, "A data breach "should never happen" if proper security measures are implemented."

What phrases are similar to "should never happen"?

Similar phrases include "ought not to occur", "must not take place", or "cannot be allowed", which also convey a sense of prevention or strong disapproval.

Is "should never happen" formal or informal?

"Should never happen" is suitable for various contexts, but it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal tone. In highly formal settings, consider using alternatives like "ought not to occur".

What's the difference between "should not happen" and "should never happen"?

"Should not happen" indicates a general undesirability, while "should never happen" emphasizes a stronger commitment to prevention and a belief that the event is entirely avoidable. The latter conveys more force.