who should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "who should be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing qualifications, roles, or responsibilities of a person or group in a specific context. Example: "The committee is responsible for selecting the candidate who should be the next team leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who should be blamed?

The Economist

Who should be the ousterer.

The New Yorker

Who should be kept alive?

The New York Times - Books

Who should be eligible to receive funds?

The New York Times

Who should be put out to pasture.

Independent

Who should be president?

The New Yorker

Who should be writing?

The Guardian

"Who should be the hero?

The New York Times

Now, who should be rescued?

The New York Times

I'm the one who should be apologizing.

The New Yorker

"Housewives, who should be cooking, are burning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "who should be", ensure the context clearly indicates the role, responsibility, or state being discussed. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid embedding "who should be" clauses within overly complex sentences. Break down long sentences to improve readability and ensure the intended meaning is clear. Prioritize conciseness to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who should be" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, initiating questions about roles, responsibilities, or expected states. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's used to seek clarity about assignments or obligations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "who should be" is a versatile and grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to inquire about roles, responsibilities, or deserved states. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's commonly found in news and media, science, and various other contexts, signaling its broad applicability. When writing, ensure the context provides enough clarity about the subject and intended role to prevent ambiguity. By using alternatives and avoiding overuse in complex sentences, you can enhance clarity and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who is best suited to be

This alternative emphasizes suitability and competence for a role or situation, rather than a general recommendation.

who is the ideal candidate to be

This alternative highlights the search for the perfect person for a position.

who is responsible for being

This alternative focuses on assigning accountability for a particular state or condition.

who is the right person to be

This alternative stresses the correct or appropriate individual for a situation.

who is entitled to be

This option suggests a discussion of rights or permissions related to a certain status.

who has the authority to be

Focuses on legitimate power and permission to occupy a role or position.

who is the designated person to be

Implies an official assignment or appointment to a specific role.

who is expected to be

Highlights anticipated roles or fulfilled expectations.

who is qualified to be

Emphasizes the formal qualifications required for a specific role.

who is in line to be

Indicates an individual next in succession for a particular role or position.

FAQs

How can I use "who should be" in a sentence?

Use "who should be" to inquire about roles, responsibilities, or deserved states. For example, "Who should be the next team leader?" or "Who should be held accountable for the error?". Ensure context clarifies the subject's role or expected condition.

What are some alternatives to "who should be"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives such as "who is best suited to be", "who is responsible for being", or "who is entitled to be". Each alternative shifts the focus slightly, emphasizing suitability, responsibility, or entitlement.

Is it grammatically correct to use "who should be" at the beginning of a question?

Yes, it's perfectly correct to start a question with "who should be" when seeking clarity about a role, assignment, or obligation. It functions as an interrogative phrase, setting up an inquiry about someone's appropriate status or action.

When is it inappropriate to use "who should be"?

Avoid using "who should be" in contexts where the question implies a subjective judgment without clear criteria. For instance, asking "Who should be happy?" is too broad. Instead, focus on specific roles and responsibilities with measurable outcomes, such as "Who should be responsible for project sign-off?".