I must not

USAGE SUMMARY

"I must not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to express reluctance or opposition to an activity or behavior. For example: "I must not give up on my dreams, no matter how hard it gets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

(i) must not match two nodes to the same partner in a given subround.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

I must not have been that good.

The New York Times - Sports

That I must not risk".

The Guardian - Books

I must not fall asleep.

The Guardian - Books

I must not postpone it further.

The New Yorker

I must not have looked amused.

The New Yorker

I must not close my eyes...

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Schoolchildren are set to writing "I must not..

The New York Times

I must not have a problem, I thought.

HuffPost

I must not eat or drink anything.

The New York Times - Books

I must not offend.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I must not" to express a strong personal commitment to avoid a certain action or thought. It's particularly effective when emphasizing self-discipline or adherence to a personal code.

Common error

While "I must not" is grammatically correct, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for alternatives like "I shouldn't" or "I can't" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I must not" functions as a form of prohibition or strong negative obligation. It indicates something that the speaker feels compelled to avoid. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage, showing a conscious effort to refrain from specific actions or thoughts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I must not" is a phrase used to express a strong sense of prohibition or personal resolve against doing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's more suited for formal or neutral contexts; alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations. Common uses include reinforcing self-discipline, adhering to rules, or resisting temptation. The phrase is frequently found in news, media, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I should not

Suggests a moral or advisory reason for avoiding something.

I am not allowed to

Highlights the lack of permission to do something.

I will not

Indicates a firm personal decision not to do something.

I ought not to

A more formal way of saying "I should not", implying a sense of duty.

I must avoid

Directly states the need to steer clear of something.

I am forbidden to

Emphasizes a prohibition or restriction imposed by an external authority.

I am determined not to

Shows a strong resolution to avoid doing something.

I cannot

Highlights an inability or impossibility to do something.

It is essential that I do not

Highlights the necessity of refraining from a certain action.

It is imperative that I do not

Emphasizes the critical importance of avoiding a particular action.

FAQs

How can I use "I must not" in a sentence?

Use "I must not" to express a strong sense of prohibition or personal resolve against doing something. For example, "I must not forget to submit my report" or "I must not let my fears control me".

What's the difference between "I must not" and "I should not"?

"I must not" indicates a stronger sense of obligation or prohibition than "I should not". "I must not" is used for things you are determined to avoid, while "I should not" suggests advice or a moral consideration.

What can I say instead of "I must not"?

You can use alternatives like "I am not allowed to", "I am forbidden to", or "I will not" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I mustn't" instead of "I must not"?

Yes, "I mustn't" is the contracted form of "I must not" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. However, "I must not" is often preferred in more formal writing.