I must go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I must go" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express a necessity or obligation to leave a place or situation. Example: "I appreciate the invitation, but I must go now to attend another meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I must go on!

Independent

"I must go".

The New Yorker

Now I must go".

The New Yorker

"Daddy, I must go.

The New Yorker

But I must go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I must go back.

The Guardian - Arts

"I must go along".

The New York Times

Exactly, now I must go.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I hit a wall and I must go home".

The New York Times

And now I must go to the bathroom; but, actually!

Huffington Post

I mean, I must go there for a reason, but why?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I must go" when you want to express a firm decision or obligation to leave. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings, depending on the context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing "I must go" in casual conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "I have to go" or "I'm off" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I must go" functions as an expression of obligation or necessity to depart. It indicates that the speaker feels compelled to leave a location or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I must go" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express the need or obligation to leave. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "I have to go", it remains appropriate for many situations. When writing, consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message, and explore related phrases to add variety to your expression. Ludwig's examples offer valuable insights into its practical application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have to leave

Emphasizes obligation, similar to "I must go" but with a slightly less formal tone.

I need to depart

A more formal way of saying "I must go", suitable for professional contexts.

I should be leaving

Indicates a suggestion or recommendation to depart, less forceful than "I must go".

It's time for me to go

Highlights the appropriate time to leave, adding a temporal aspect.

I'm required to leave

Stresses an external requirement or obligation to depart.

I am obliged to go

Formal and emphatic, highlighting a strong sense of duty.

I am going to have to leave

Expresses future intention combined with necessity.

I've got to get going

Informal and colloquial, indicating readiness to leave.

My departure is necessary

Places emphasis on the necessity of the departure.

I'm off

Very informal way of saying "I must go", indicating you're about to leave.

FAQs

What does "I must go" mean?

The phrase "I must go" means that the speaker feels obligated or has a strong need to leave a place or situation.

What can I say instead of "I must go"?

You can use alternatives like "I have to leave", "I need to depart", or "I should be leaving" depending on the context.

Is "I must go" formal or informal?

The phrase "I must go" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it leans slightly towards the formal side, so consider your audience and situation when choosing this phrase.

How do I use "I must go" in a sentence?

You can use "I must go" when expressing a necessity or obligation to leave. For example, "I appreciate the invitation, but "I must go" now to attend another meeting."