we should

USAGE SUMMARY

"we should" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "we should" when you want to express an opinion that you feel is right or suggest a course of action. For example, "We should try to reduce our carbon footprint to help the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should.

The New York Times - Magazine

At least we should.

The New York Times

We should have both".

Independent

"We should have won.

The New York Times - Sports

We should support it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We should make videos".

Independent

"We should do better".

The New York Times

Sure we should.

Independent

We should know better.

The New York Times - Books

"We should be first".

The New York Times

We should encourage it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we should", consider the tone and context. In formal settings, it can be softened with phrases like "it is recommended that" or "it would be advisable to."

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "we should" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for stronger, more direct phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should" functions primarily as a modal phrase, expressing a suggestion, recommendation, or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. It is often followed by a verb to indicate the action that is being suggested.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we should" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to offer suggestions, express opinions, or indicate obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for use in written English. With a very common frequency, it appears predominantly in News & Media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "we should", it's important to consider the context to avoid overuse in formal writing and to choose appropriate alternatives like "we ought to" or "we must" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we ought to

A more formal equivalent of "we should", suggesting a moral obligation or duty.

we must

Emphasizes the necessity or importance of a particular action.

we had better

Implies a stronger sense of urgency or potential negative consequences if the advice is not followed.

it is advisable that we

Replaces "we should" with a more formal and cautious recommendation.

it is imperative that we

Highlights the critical importance of taking a specific action.

it would be best if we

Suggests that a particular action is the most favorable or advantageous option.

our recommendation is that we

A very formal and emphatic way of presenting advice.

we might want to

Introduces a suggestion with a degree of tentativeness or politeness.

let's

A more informal and direct way to propose a joint action.

we could

Suggests a possibility or option, rather than a firm recommendation.

FAQs

How do I use "we should" in a sentence?

"We should" is typically used to make suggestions, give advice, or express an opinion. For example, "We should try that" or "We should be nice".

What are some alternatives to "we should"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we ought to", "we must", or "it is advisable that we".

Is "we should of" grammatically correct?

No, "we should of" is incorrect. The correct form is "we should have", which is often contracted to "we should've".

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

"We should" expresses a suggestion or recommendation, while "we must" implies a stronger obligation or necessity.