should only be

USAGE SUMMARY

"should only be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express an obligation or recommendation about how something should be handled. For example, "This sensitive information should only be shared with the appropriate personnel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should only be a coordinating body.

The New York Times

It should only be that easy.

The New York Times - Sports

However this should only be the start.

The Guardian - Opinion

We adults should only be so lucky.

The New York Times

You should only be so courageous.

The New York Times

"We should only be accepting Christian refugees".

The New Yorker

There should only be the next song".

The New York Times - Arts

He should only be so lucky.

The Guardian - Opinion

These should only be provided when they are actually requested.

The Guardian

And it should only be there for an absolute emergency".

The New York Times

The squid should only be slit open on one side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should only be" in formal writing, consider whether a stronger term like "must" or "is required" might be more appropriate for the intended level of obligation.

Common error

Avoid embedding "should only be" within overly long or complex sentences, which can reduce clarity. Break down complex thoughts into simpler sentences for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should only be" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or advisability with a limitation. It expresses that something is recommended or required within specific constraints, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should only be" is a versatile modal verb phrase that effectively conveys necessity, recommendation, or advisability within specific limitations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various sources. As seen in the examples, it is commonly used in news, scientific, and general contexts to provide guidance or set expectations with restrictions. While generally neutral in register, the phrase benefits from careful consideration of context to ensure the intended level of obligation is accurately conveyed. Remember to avoid overuse in complex sentences and consider alternative phrasing for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to only be

Replaces "should" with "ought to", maintaining a sense of obligation or advisability, although "ought to" can sometimes sound more formal.

need only be

Uses "need" to express necessity, highlighting the minimal requirements for a situation.

should merely be

Replaces "only" with "merely", softening the restriction slightly but keeping the sense of limitation.

must exclusively be

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

is just supposed to be

Uses a more informal tone to convey the expected state or action.

is exclusively to be

Changes the structure to emphasize exclusivity but maintains the core meaning of restriction.

is required to be

Indicates a formal requirement or necessity, differing from the suggestive nature of "should".

is strictly limited to

Replaces the modal verb construction with a passive construction emphasizing limitation.

is intended to be

Emphasizes the purpose or plan, suggesting a designed outcome.

should not exceed

Focuses on setting an upper limit rather than prescribing a specific state. It implies a boundary that "should" not be crossed.

FAQs

How to use "should only be" in a sentence?

Use "should only be" to express a recommendation, restriction, or expectation. For example, "This door "should only be" used in emergencies."

What can I say instead of "should only be"?

You can use alternatives like "must exclusively be", "is strictly limited to", or "need only be" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "should only be" or "should be only"?

"Should only be" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Should be only" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used.

What's the difference between "should only be" and "must be"?

"Should only be" implies a recommendation or suggestion with a restriction, whereas "must be" indicates a stronger requirement or necessity. "Must be" leaves less room for flexibility.