that should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that should be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an expectation or suggestion regarding something that is considered appropriate or necessary. Example: "The report is missing some key data that should be included for a comprehensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

something that should be clarified.

The New York Times

Those are things that should be changed".

The New York Times

ADAM GOPNIK: Spaniels, that should be.

The New Yorker

"That should be yours.

The New York Times

That should be "has".

Independent

"That should be clear".

The New York Times

That should be "block".

Independent

That should be resisted.

The Economist

That should be unthinkable.

The New York Times - Health

That should be applauded".

The New York Times

That should be fixed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that should be" to express a logical conclusion or expectation based on given information. For example: "Given the circumstances, that should be sufficient."

Common error

Avoid using "that should be" when a definitive statement is required. If you have concrete evidence, state it directly instead of implying it. For instance, instead of saying, "That should be the correct answer," say, "That is the correct answer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that should be" functions as a modal expression indicating expectation, likelihood, or a suggested course of action. It is frequently used to express logical conclusions based on given information, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that should be" is a versatile expression used to convey expectation, suggestion, or logical inference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as certainty (e.g., "that must be") or possibility (e.g., "that could be"). While widely applicable, avoid overusing it in situations requiring definitive statements to maintain clarity and impact. Ludwig’s analysis indicates that "that should be" is a reliable and frequently encountered phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to be

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation or advisability rather than a simple expectation.

it needs to be

Emphasizes the necessity of something being in a particular state.

it has to be

Suggests a requirement or inevitability, often implying a stronger degree of certainty.

that's expected to be

Highlights an expectation rather than a suggestion or requirement.

that will be

Indicates a future state with a higher degree of certainty.

that is supposed to be

Implies an arrangement or plan for something to be a certain way.

it would be

Offers a hypothetical or conditional perspective on a desired state.

it could be

Suggests a possibility rather than a necessity or expectation.

it may be

Expresses uncertainty or possibility.

it's advisable to be

Suggests a recommended course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "that should be" in a sentence?

Use "that should be" to express an assumption or expectation about something. For example, "If you follow these instructions, "that should be" enough to complete the task."

What is an alternative to "that should be"?

Alternatives to "that should be" include phrases like "it ought to be", "it needs to be", or "that is expected to be", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "that should be" or "that must be"?

Both "that should be" and "that must be" are correct, but they convey different levels of certainty. "That should be" suggests a reasonable expectation, while "that must be" implies a stronger conviction or logical necessity.

What's the difference between "that should be" and "that could be"?

"That should be" indicates a likely or expected outcome, whereas "that could be" suggests a possibility or potential outcome that is not necessarily the most likely.