You must not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "You must not" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express prohibition or to indicate that something is not allowed. Example: "You must not enter the restricted area without proper authorization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You must not negotiate.

The New York Times

You must not blame yourself.

The New Yorker

You must not dodge it, you must not duck it".

The Guardian

You must not go upstairs.

The Guardian - Books

You must not mention it again.

The New Yorker

"You must not change the foot bed.

The New Yorker

'You must not cry now,' Coco said.

The New York Times

You must not tell the coca-goons".

The New York Times - Magazine

You must not let them do it!

The New Yorker

You must not do so, Father.

The New Yorker

You must not ask anyone for help.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or rules, especially in formal contexts, use "You must not" to emphasize the importance of adhering to the guidelines.

Common error

While "You must not" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "Don't" or "You shouldn't" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "You must not" functions as a strong prohibition or command, directly forbidding a specific action. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in rules, instructions, and warnings, conveying a clear sense of what is not permitted. The function is to prevent or discourage particular behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "You must not" serves as a clear and direct way to express prohibition or to instruct against a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki. When writing, remember that while effective, it's crucial to consider the tone and audience, opting for less formal alternatives in casual settings. Alternatives such as "you are not allowed to" and "do not" offer similar meaning with slight differences in formality and directness. Ultimately, understanding the function, purpose, and register of "You must not" helps ensure its appropriate and impactful use in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

You mustn't

A contraction of "you must not", carrying the same prohibitive meaning with an informal tone.

You are not allowed to

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing a lack of permission.

You are prohibited from

This alternative uses a more formal tone and explicitly states that something is forbidden.

It is forbidden for you to

This phrase emphasizes the forbidden nature of the action, using a passive construction.

Do not

A shorter and more concise imperative, suitable for direct commands.

Under no circumstances should you

Emphasizes that something should never be done, no matter the situation.

Refrain from

This suggests a more polite or formal request to avoid doing something.

You are required to avoid

This implies a requirement to abstain from a specific action.

You should not

Indicates a strong recommendation against something, but is slightly less forceful than "You must not".

It is essential that you don't

Highlights the importance of avoiding a particular action.

FAQs

How to use "You must not" in a sentence?

The phrase "You must not" is used to prohibit or forbid an action. For example, "You must not enter without permission" or "You must not disclose confidential information".

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

Alternatives include "you are not allowed to", "do not", or "refrain from depending" on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "You must not" formal or informal?

"You must not" is generally considered neutral to formal. While usable in many contexts, consider the audience and situation. In very informal settings, contractions like "You mustn't" or simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "You must not" and "You should not"?

"You must not" indicates a prohibition; it means something is not allowed. "You should not" is a recommendation against something; it suggests it's better to avoid the action, but it's not strictly forbidden.