things that should happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things that should happen" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing expectations, plans, or necessary actions in various contexts. For example: "In a successful project, there are certain things that should happen to ensure its completion." Alternative expressions include "things that ought to happen" and "things that need to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Two things that should happen to encourage part-time or flexible work arrangements: First, exemptions from paying overtime pay should be tightened.

The New York Times

The foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said this week that France did not spy on the US embassy in Paris because "between partner countries" these "were not the sorts of things that should happen".

The Guardian

Things that should happen, if the gods (i.e., Weiner and his creative team) are kind to us. 1. Don and Sally.

Huffington Post

"The medical home, the use of one standardized eligibility and enrollment system, getting all providers that are caring for this population to focus on one network, are things that should happen".

Huffington Post

Know that nothing good can happen if you're just lying in bed, thinking about all of the great things that should happen to you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And here, perhaps, is the final thing that should happen in 2015: a shift of attitude.

The Economist

I think the first thing that should happen is the mayor should be contacted, because the mayor is on the front lines".

The New York Times

"The first thing that should happen when an item of clothing from a victim or suspect is submitted to a forensic laboratory is that it should be taped for fibres," she explains.

The Guardian - Money

"I think the best thing that should happen to people who behave in this way," Judge Hall told Oxford Crown Court, speaking of the former teacher, Jeremy Malim, "is that they should get a very brisk elbow in the ribs at the time or be rejected".

The New York Times

But 2016 was going to be a bumpy year until central banks responded with extra stimulus, he warned, saying: "The big thing that should happen is [that] China should stop kicking the can down the road and get on with some serious structural reforms".

The Guardian - Business

The first thing that should happen is that Nelson should reimburse the DSC for the money he took while dithering over whether or not to run and then return to donors the $3 million in his account.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things that should happen" to describe improvements or changes needed in a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "things that should happen" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary such as "necessary actions" or "required events" for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things that should happen" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. For example, "These are things that should happen" illustrates its role as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things that should happen" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe expected or necessary events. While versatile, Ludwig AI confirms that it appears more frequently in news and media and wiki content, and less so in formal academic writing. For greater precision in formal contexts, consider using alternative phrases like "necessary actions" or "required events". When using this expression, ensure that it aligns with the appropriate level of formality and provides clear expectations or requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things that ought to occur

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation.

what needs to occur

Uses a more formal and direct tone.

things that are supposed to happen

Indicates a plan or arrangement for events.

required events

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the happenings.

what is expected to take place

Focuses on expectations rather than obligation.

necessary actions

Highlights the actions needed instead of the events themselves.

desired outcomes

Focuses on the result rather than the process.

actions that are crucial

Focuses on the critical aspect of the actions.

events that must transpire

Employs a more literary and emphatic vocabulary.

imperative actions

Highlights urgency and the required nature of the happenings.

FAQs

How can I use "things that should happen" in a sentence?

You can use "things that should happen" to describe expected or necessary events. For example, "In a successful project, there are certain "things that should happen" to ensure its completion."

What can I say instead of "things that should happen"?

You can use alternatives like "necessary actions", "required events", or "what needs to occur" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "things that should happen" or "things that ought to happen"?

Both ""things that should happen"" and "things that ought to happen" are grammatically correct. "Ought to" often carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation.

What's the difference between "things that should happen" and "desired outcomes"?

"Things that should happen" refers to specific events or actions that are expected or necessary, while "desired outcomes" refers to the results one hopes to achieve. The former focuses on the process, while the latter focuses on the end result.