this should not be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this should not be" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to express disapproval or surprise at a situation that is not desirable or expected. Example: "The company's unethical practices are unacceptable. This should not be tolerated in any industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should not be.

The New York Times

This should not be happening".

The New York Times

This should not be impossible.

The Economist

This should not be neglected".

Independent

This should not be surprising.

The New York Times

This should not be a controversial measure.

The New York Times

This should not be a surprise.

The Economist

Perhaps this should not be surprising.

The New York Times

This should not be either/or, though.

The New Yorker

This should not be a hard case.

The New York Times

This should not be an anomaly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this should not be" to express concern or disapproval when describing situations that deviate from expected norms or standards. Be specific about what "this" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "this should not be" as a knee-jerk reaction to every minor inconvenience. Reserve it for situations where ethical, professional, or safety standards are genuinely compromised to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this should not be" functions as a modal expression indicating disapproval, improbability, or a deviation from an expected norm. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and used to express disapproval. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate varied contexts, from political opinions to scientific observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this should not be" is a versatile expression used to convey disapproval, improbability, or disagreement across a range of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in both formal and informal settings. While predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and academic writing. When using "this should not be", ensure that the context is clear and that the sentiment aligns with the situation at hand. Alternatives such as "this must not be" or "this is unacceptable" can be employed to convey similar meanings with varying degrees of emphasis. Always be mindful of overuse, reserving it for situations of genuine concern or importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this ought not to be

Replaces "should" with "ought to", maintaining a similar level of formality and expressing obligation or expectation.

this must not be

Emphasizes a stronger sense of prohibition or necessity compared to "should".

this cannot be

Indicates impossibility or disbelief, suggesting that something is not feasible or acceptable.

this is unacceptable

Expresses strong disapproval and indicates that something is not tolerable.

this is inappropriate

Suggests that something is unsuitable or out of place in a given context.

this is not permissible

Highlights that something is not allowed or authorized, often in a formal or legal setting.

this isn't right

A more informal way of expressing that something is wrong or unfair.

this is regrettable

Indicates that something is unfortunate or causes sorrow.

this is undesirable

Expresses that something is unwanted or unwelcome.

it is not supposed to be

Implies that something is happening contrary to expectations or plans.

FAQs

How can I use "this should not be" in a sentence?

The phrase "this should not be" is used to express disapproval or disagreement with a situation. For example, you might say, "This should not be happening" to indicate something is going wrong, or "This should not be tolerated" to express that something is unacceptable.

What are some alternatives to "this should not be"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "this must not be", "this cannot be", or "this is unacceptable". Each alternative has a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the specific situation.

Which is correct, "this should not be" or "this shouldn't be"?

"This should not be" and "this shouldn't be" are both grammatically correct, but "this should not be" is slightly more formal. The contracted form, "this shouldn't be", is more common in informal speech and writing.

What's the difference between "this should not be" and "this ought not to be"?

Both phrases express a similar sentiment, but "this ought not to be" carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or expectation. "This should not be" is a more general expression of disapproval or improbability.