that should be fixed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that should be fixed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in written English to indicate that something should be changed or corrected. For example: "This technology is outdated and that should be fixed in the near future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was seen as something that should be fixed, eventually.

The New York Times - Science

"And I think that's a problem that should be fixed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Upstream Bochs has bugs and warts that should be fixed when used with Pintos.

Stanford University

"When he sees something that should be fixed," said Jonathan Werbell, a spokesman for the mayor, "he calls 311".

The New York Times

If hundreds of thousands of people in Texas do not have it, that is a problem that should be fixed.

The Economist

It determines not only which machines are online at any given moment, but also whether they have security flaws that should be fixed before miscreants exploit them.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The attitude in the multi-disciplinary meeting that I had attended was that he should be fixed and sent home as soon as possible – for the staff's sake, as much as his own.

The Guardian

But whereas in other fields this decision is understood to be something that can change over time, the computer science field has a notion that it should be fixed.

MIT Technology Review

So, after many meetings with Mr. Fastow, and many meetings with other members of senior management, I felt that I needed to talk to Mr. Skilling about those conflicts and how I saw that they should be fixed.

The New York Times

The view that nothing should be fixed until everything can be fixed has repeatedly derailed efforts to eliminate even the most deplored loopholes.

The New York Times

Mr. Tompkins said that rents should be fixed the same way electric and telephone rates are fixed by a public commission, not by a legislative body.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that should be fixed", ensure the context clearly indicates what "that" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement. Instead of saying "That should be fixed", try to be more specific by stating "The broken window should be fixed."

Common error

While "that should be fixed" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider active alternatives like "Someone should fix that" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that should be fixed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation or obligation. It indicates that something is not in the desired state and requires correction or repair. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that should be fixed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to suggest or recommend correction or repair, as supported by Ludwig AI and numerous real-world examples. Its neutral register makes it versatile, although more formal alternatives may be appropriate in specific contexts. Understanding the subtle differences between related phrases, like "that must be fixed", and avoiding ambiguity in pronoun reference will enhance clarity and impact in writing. The frequency analysis also indicates that this phrase is most frequently used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that requires fixing

Replaces "should be fixed" with "requires fixing", emphasizing the necessity of the repair.

that needs to be corrected

Substitutes "fixed" with "corrected", highlighting accuracy and precision.

that's something to rectify

More concise and direct, implying immediate action to correct an error.

that is in need of repair

Replaces the modal verb construction with a more descriptive phrase.

that demands improvement

Emphasizes the need for enhancement and progress.

that's something to amend

Implies a formal correction or alteration to improve the situation.

that warrants attention

Shifts the focus to the need for consideration and potential action.

this is an issue needing resolution

Focuses on the issue itself and its need for a solution.

it's a problem that must be resolved

Expresses a stronger sense of urgency and obligation to find a solution.

this situation calls for a remedy

Suggests the need for a solution that alleviates a problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that should be fixed" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "that requires rectification", "that necessitates correction", or "that warrants attention" for a more sophisticated tone.

What are some informal ways to say "that should be fixed"?

Informally, you could say "that needs a fix", "that's gotta be sorted", or simply "that's broken and needs to be repaired ASAP".

Is "that should be fixed" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "that should be fixed" is grammatically correct, but make sure the context is clear. The pronoun "that" must have a clear antecedent to avoid confusion. For example: "The old equipment is malfunctioning and "that should be fixed"".

What is the difference between "that should be fixed" and "that must be fixed"?

"That should be fixed" suggests a recommendation or suggestion, while "that must be fixed" implies a stronger obligation or necessity. The latter indicates a higher level of urgency.