should not be frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should not be frequent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should occur rarely or infrequently. Example: "In a healthy diet, sugary snacks should not be frequent to maintain overall well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We emphasize that the configuration of ABSs should not be frequent, at least not in the order of several seconds.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Share your profile: Share your profile and work history with your connections time to time via personal messages and make them aware of your working domain, but it should not be frequent, as it would overwhelmed your connections with your back to back messages but try to make them remember you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Calling or emailing him to let him know important information about schools, relatives, and children's activities are sometimes necessary too but they shouldn't be frequent.

Huffington Post

Although rearrangements of rye chromosomes in the triticale genome in comparison to the rye genome may occur [ 67], changes in the distance between markers within several cM should not be a frequent occurrence.

BMC Genomics

With proper care before and after each use, extensive cleaning should not be a frequent occurrence.

WikiHow

These activities should not be subjected to frequent interruption by electronics.

Huffington Post

Therefore, the biotechnologist declares with a slight but evident provocative tone, the public should not be lured into a frequent delusion: the pressing problem is not the relationship between "GMOs" and society, because this is a misleading approach.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

One should not be misled by the frequent inclusion of the near-universal Proto-TB etymon *ka 'bitter' in many compounds for buckwheat, especially Fagopyrum tataricum which may have been the earlier cultivar in this area.

Rice

While occasional acid reflux can be treated with antacids, such as Tums or Pepto-Bismol, these should not be used on a frequent basis because serious side effects can occur.

WikiHow

Furthermore, well-being related-complaints should not be underestimated as they were extremely frequent.

BMC Pediatrics

The operational tools available do not always reflect the activities and precautions taken by the staff during the process of care, so it should not be assumed that the more frequent use of structural and process indicators implies better nutritional care or vice versa.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising against frequent actions, specify the desired frequency (e.g., "should not be frequent; aim for occasional use only").

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the need for infrequency to the point where the action seems completely forbidden. Provide context on when it might be acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should not be frequent" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a recommendation or guideline against the frequency of an action or event. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should not be frequent" is a grammatically sound phrase used to advise against the regular occurrence of something, aiming to minimize negative impacts or promote better outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not highly prevalent, its presence across diverse domains like Science, News & Media, and Wiki sources indicates its broad applicability. Alternative phrases include "ought not to occur often" or "should occur infrequently", which can provide a more formal or nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should occur infrequently

Replaces "frequent" with its direct antonym.

is not something that should happen often

Elaborates on the infrequency in a more descriptive manner.

should not happen regularly

Substitutes "frequent" with "regularly", focusing on the regularity of events.

ought not to occur often

Emphasizes obligation against frequent occurrence.

should be a rare occurrence

Rephrases the idea using "rare occurrence", emphasizing the infrequency.

is best kept to a minimum

Indicates limiting the frequency of something to the lowest possible level.

should be avoided most times

Suggests avoidance rather than just infrequency.

requires careful moderation

Highlights the need for controlled frequency.

is better when it's seldom

Uses an informal tone to suggest rarity is preferable.

needs to be an exception, not the norm

Presents the concept as a deviation from normal practice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should not be frequent" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "ought not to occur often", "should occur infrequently", or "is best kept to a minimum". These options offer a more refined and professional sound while conveying the same basic meaning.

What is a simple way to say something "should not be frequent"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "should be rare", "avoid often", or "not regular". These options are concise and easy to understand in everyday conversation.

Is it always negative to say something "should not be frequent"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a negative consequence of frequent action, it can also be a neutral suggestion for optimization. The context determines whether it's a caution or a general recommendation.

What's the difference between saying something "should not be frequent" and "must be avoided"?

"Should not be frequent" suggests a lower priority, indicating something is better if it happens rarely. "Must be avoided" implies a higher priority, signaling something should not happen at all, if possible. So the latter option indicates something has more urgency and gravity than the former one.