should not be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should not be done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain action or behavior is inappropriate or discouraged. Example: "In this situation, any form of discrimination should not be done, as it goes against our values of inclusivity and respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said it should not be done.

Independent

Not saying something should not be done.

Harvard University

Some things should not be done locally.

The New York Times

But it should not be done cavalierly.

The New York Times

Comparisons between F-NF studies should not be done directly.

Geoderma

But Pistorius should not be done running in Daegu yet.

The New York Times - Sports

He did everything the Victorians said should not be done.

The Guardian - Arts

We think it should not be done in isolation.

The Guardian

Are there any specific and/or principled reasons why this cannot / should not be done?

Yale University

But this is not to say they should not be done at all.

University of California, Berkeley

He grilled her over and over, doing what the S.A.T. said should not be done.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should not be done" when you want to express that an action is inappropriate, inadvisable, or contrary to established guidelines. Consider the context to determine if a stronger prohibition (e.g. "must not") is more appropriate.

Common error

While "should not be done" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Where appropriate, rephrase the sentence to use an active voice construction for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of saying, "This task should not be done by inexperienced personnel", consider "Inexperienced personnel should not perform this task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should not be done" primarily functions as an expression of prohibition or inadvisability. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to indicate that a certain action or behavior is inappropriate or discouraged in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should not be done" is a versatile phrase for expressing inadvisability or prohibition. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While common across various contexts, it's important to consider the register and choose stronger alternatives like "must not be done" for stricter prohibitions. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice, and always aim for clarity and directness in your writing. The phrase is particularly frequent in News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be done

Stronger emphasis on prohibition.

ought not to be done

More formal and less common alternative.

is not advisable

Focuses on the lack of wisdom in performing the action.

is not recommended

Suggests a lack of endorsement or approval.

is not permitted

Highlights the lack of authorization.

is forbidden

Emphasizes a strict ban.

is out of the question

Indicates impossibility or unacceptability.

is not a good idea

A more casual way to express inadvisability.

is best avoided

Highlights the benefits of preventing the action.

cannot be allowed

Focuses on preventing something from occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "should not be done" in a sentence?

The phrase "should not be done" indicates that an action is not recommended or permitted. For example: "That experiment "should not be done" without proper supervision."

What are some alternatives to "should not be done"?

Alternatives include "must not be done", "is not advisable", or "is not recommended". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of prohibition you wish to convey. For example: "This procedure "is not recommended" due to potential risks."

When is it appropriate to use "should not be done" versus "must not be done"?

"Should not be done" suggests a strong recommendation against an action, while "must not be done" indicates a stricter prohibition. Use "must not be done" when the action is absolutely forbidden or has serious consequences. For example: "Under no circumstances "must this be done" without authorization."

Is "shouldn't be done" an acceptable contraction of "should not be done"?

Yes, "shouldn't be done" is a common and acceptable contraction of "should not be done", especially in informal contexts. However, in formal or academic writing, it's generally preferable to use the full form "should not be done".