a must watch

USAGE SUMMARY

'a must watch' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a reference to something that is strongly recommended to be seen or experienced, such as a movie, TV show, or event. For example, "The new Netflix drama series is a must watch!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Since Barkley's arrival, "Inside the NBA" has been a must watch for its humor, unpredictability and occasional foray into danger.

The New York Times - Sports

Retropian most enjoys the 1966 film version, starring Geraldine Page (above) and narrated by Capote himself: "It is simply a must watch, but be prepared to cry buckets".

The Guardian

The whole thing is a must watch.

TechCrunch

This is a must watch for Borderland fans.

TechCrunch

This is a must watch video for bored Apple fanboys on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

TechCrunch

A must watch.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Viewers who really want to see a programme must watch it on television.

The Economist

Storr also stated the episode is an "absolute must watch for anyone who has ever been a fan.

Wikipedia

A stirring account with brilliant moments, bravura performances, strong emotional quotient and addictive music, this one's an absolute must watch for the romantics".

Wikipedia

Therefore, a good man must watch himself closely, every move.

The New York Times - Books

There is something self-referential about the marketing of Mayweather vs. Álvarez: it's a fight you must watch, simply because so many people will be watching it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a must watch", consider your audience and ensure the recommendation aligns with their interests and preferences for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a must watch" in very casual conversations or settings where a more nuanced recommendation would be appropriate. Sometimes, a simple "I recommend this" is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a must watch" functions as a recommendation, indicating that something is highly advisable or essential to view. It's commonly used to express a strong endorsement, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Reference

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a must watch" is a phrase used to strongly recommend something, most commonly movies, shows, or videos. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media and on platforms like Wikipedia. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in very formal settings, opting for simpler recommendations when appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "highly recommended viewing" or "essential viewing" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A must-see

A more succinct version of the original phrase.

Essential viewing

Highlights the necessity of watching something.

You have to see this

More forceful recommendation, implying necessity.

Highly recommended viewing

Emphasizes the recommendation aspect more directly.

Absolutely worth seeing

Emphasizes the value and experience of seeing something.

Don't miss this

Suggests the viewer would be remiss to skip it.

Worth watching

Suggests that the time spent watching will be valuable.

Top recommendation

Highlights a top-tier suggestion.

Highly advisable to watch

Formal tone, emphasizing the advisability of watching.

See it now

Creates a sense of urgency about viewing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a must watch" to strongly recommend something, for example, "This documentary is "a must watch" for anyone interested in environmental issues".

What are some alternatives to saying "a must watch"?

Alternatives include "highly recommended viewing", "essential viewing", or "don't miss this" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a must watch" or "must-see"?

"A must watch" is a phrase, while "must-see" is an adjective. Both are correct, but "must-see" is generally used directly before a noun (e.g., "must-see movie"), whereas "a must watch" is often used to describe something: "This movie is "a must watch"".

Can "a must watch" be used for things other than movies and shows?

Yes, while commonly used for movies and shows, ""a must watch"" can describe any experience or event considered highly valuable or enjoyable, such as "This exhibition is "a must watch" for art lovers".