they should

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they should" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a recommendation, obligation, or expectation regarding a group of people. Example: "In order to improve team performance, they should attend the training sessions regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They should.

The New York Times

As perhaps they should.

The New York Times

They should start now.

The New York Times

"They should feel it.

Independent

They should now".

The New York Times - Sports

They should sizzle.

The New York Times

They should know this".

The New York Times - Health

"They should be mocked".

The New York Times

"They should be rewarded".

The New York Times

They should resist.

The New York Times

They should be released.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they should" to offer a polite recommendation or suggestion, especially when addressing a group or entity. It strikes a balance between directness and respect.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "they should" in highly formal writing. Opt for stronger, more definitive language when conveying critical requirements or mandates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they should" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase expressing advice, recommendation, or obligation. Ludwig AI examples show it used to indicate what is desirable or necessary for a group to do. The modal verb "should" indicates a weaker obligation than "must."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they should" is a common and versatile construction used to offer recommendations, express expectations, or suggest obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase. For more formal situations, alternatives like "they ought to" or "it is recommended that they" may be more appropriate. It’s imperative to avoid the incorrect form "they should of", always opting for "they should have" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they ought to

Replaces "should" with "ought to", conveying a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability.

they are advised to

Presents the action as a recommendation from an external authority.

it would be best if they

Indicates that a particular course of action is the most advantageous.

it is recommended that they

Formally suggests a specific action, often based on expert advice.

it is advisable for them to

Uses a more formal and explicit construction to express advisability.

they must

Conveys a stronger, more forceful sense of necessity.

they are expected to

Highlights the expectation of a certain behavior or action.

they are required to

Indicates that a specific action is obligatory due to a rule or law.

their duty is to

Emphasizes a sense of obligation or responsibility.

it's imperative that they

Stresses the critical importance of a particular action.

FAQs

How can I use "they should" in a sentence?

Use "they should" to express a suggestion, recommendation, or expectation for a group. For example, "If the team wants to succeed, "they should" collaborate more effectively".

What is a more formal alternative to "they should"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it is recommended that they", "they are advised to", or "they ought to" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is "they should of" grammatically correct?

No, "they should of" is incorrect. The correct form is "they should have". "Should've" is the contraction of "should have".

What's the difference between "they should" and "they must"?

"They should" indicates a recommendation or suggestion, while "they must" implies a stronger obligation or necessity. The choice depends on the level of force you want to convey.