there should be

USAGE SUMMARY

"there should be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a condition that is thought to be necessary or desirable. For example, "There should be more public transportation options available in this city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There should be.

The Guardian

There should be freaks.

The New York Times

"There should be transparency.

The New York Times

There should be opportunity.

The New Yorker

"There should be something.

The New Yorker

"There should be equal support".

The New York Times

He said there should be.

The Economist

There should be water here.

The New York Times

Then there should be damages.

The New Yorker

There should be absolute transparency.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Maybe [there should be] six.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there should be", clearly define what you expect or recommend to exist or occur to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "there should be" without a specific subject. For instance, instead of saying "there should be improvements", specify "there should be improvements in customer service" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there should be" functions as an existential construction expressing a recommendation, expectation, or necessity. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there should be" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express recommendations, expectations, or necessities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears frequently in wikis and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the expectation or recommendation. Consider alternatives like "there needs to be" or "it is essential that there be" to fine-tune the nuance. By avoiding vagueness and choosing the most appropriate phrasing, you can effectively convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there needs to be

Offers a slightly less formal alternative with a similar meaning.

there has to be

Implies a requirement or obligation.

it is important that there is

Highlights the importance of the existence of something.

it is essential that there be

Highlights the critical importance of something existing or occurring.

it is desirable that there be

Expresses a preference for something to exist.

it is imperative that there be

Emphasizes a stronger sense of urgency and necessity.

one would expect there to be

Indicates an expectation based on certain conditions or assumptions.

there is a necessity for

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of something.

it would be advisable that there be

Introduces a recommendation, suggesting a course of action.

one might hope for

Expresses a desire or wish for something to exist or happen.

FAQs

How do I use "there should be" in a sentence?

Use "there should be" to express a need, expectation, or recommendation. For example, "there should be more affordable housing options".

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

You can use alternatives like "there needs to be", "it is essential that there be", or "it is imperative that there be" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there should have been" instead of "there should be"?

The choice depends on the time frame. "There should be" refers to a present or future expectation, while "there should have been" refers to something that was expected in the past but did not occur.

What is the difference between "there should be" and "there ought to be"?

"There should be" and "there ought to be" are often interchangeable, but "there ought to be" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability.