We must

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "We must" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express necessity or obligation regarding an action or decision. Example: "We must complete the project by the end of the week to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must.

The New York Times

"We must remain unbiased.

The New York Times

We must work together".

Independent

We must remain one.

The New Yorker

"We must travel!

The New Yorker

We must see America!

The New Yorker

"We must pray".

The New Yorker

"We must know.

The Economist

We must dig deeper.

The New York Times

We! Must! Know! Right!

The New York Times

We must take action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "We must" to clearly convey a sense of obligation or necessity. Ensure the context supports the strength of this assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "We must" excessively in persuasive writing, as it can sound overly forceful or preachy. Opt for softer alternatives like "we should" or "it's important to" to maintain a more collaborative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "We must" functions as a modal verb phrase. It expresses obligation, necessity, or strong advice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the numerous examples highlight its versatility in conveying a sense of duty or requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "We must" is a grammatically sound and frequently used modal verb phrase that serves to express obligation, necessity, or strong recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various contexts. While it appears most often in news and media sources, it is also prevalent in formal business and science-related content. When writing, consider the tone and context to avoid overuse, which can make your writing sound overly forceful. Alternatives such as "we should" or "it is essential that we" can be used for softer implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is imperative that we

Emphasizes a higher degree of urgency and importance.

It is vital that we

Highlights the critical importance of the action.

It's essential for us to

Stresses the crucial nature of an action.

We are obligated to

Highlights a sense of duty or formal requirement.

We are required to

Indicates a formal rule or requirement.

It's our duty to

Emphasizes moral or ethical obligation.

We are compelled to

Suggests an external force or pressure causing the necessity.

We have to

A more informal way of expressing necessity.

We need to

A common and slightly less forceful alternative.

We should

Expresses a recommendation or suggestion, rather than a strict obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "We must" in a sentence?

"We must" is used to express a strong obligation or necessity. For example, "We must complete this project by Friday" or "We must consider all options before deciding".

What can I say instead of "We must"?

Alternatives to "We must" include phrases like "we should", "we need to", or "it is essential that we", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "We must to"?

No, "We must to" is grammatically incorrect. "Must" is a modal verb and doesn't require "to" after it. The correct form is "We must" followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., "We must go", not "We must to go").

What is the difference between "We must" and "We should"?

"We must" indicates a stronger obligation or necessity than "we should". "We must" implies that there will be negative consequences if the action isn't performed, while "we should" suggests a recommendation or advice.