are required to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are required to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing that an action or thing is necessary or obligatory. For example: "Students are required to submit their essays by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Accusers are required to prove their allegations.

The New York Times

(Schools are required to publish them).

The New York Times - Health

Competitors are required to wear crash helmets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Government workers are required to attend rallies.

The New York Times

All clients are required to see oncologists.

The New York Times

The prosecutors are required to be Iraqis.

The New York Times

Some noncitizens are required to register.

The New York Times

Experiments are required to verify our theory.

Nature

Students are required to write frequently.

The New York Times

Passengers are required to pay £850.

The Guardian

All applicants are required to apply online.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are required to", ensure the context clearly defines who or what is subject to the requirement. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

While "are required to" is often used in passive constructions, overusing passive voice can make your writing vague. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to make the subject and action more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are required to" is to express obligation or necessity. It indicates that a particular action or condition is mandatory according to a rule, law, or standard. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are required to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, most notably in news, academic, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "must" or "need to" exist, "are required to" often carries a more formal tone, suitable for official or procedural contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is subject to the requirement to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of potential passive voice overuse. Ludwig's examples highlight its adaptability and frequent appearance in authoritative sources, reinforcing its reliability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are obligated to

Indicates a formal or legal duty; emphasizes a binding commitment.

are bound to

Suggests a moral or contractual obligation; implies a strong likelihood or inevitability.

must

Expresses strong necessity or requirement; direct and forceful.

need to

Indicates a necessity or lack; can be softer than "must".

have to

Implies external obligation or necessity; common in everyday language.

are compelled to

Suggests a strong force or pressure causing the action; can imply reluctance.

are expected to

Indicates anticipation or reasonable expectation of an action; less forceful than requirement.

it is necessary to

States that something is essential or indispensable; more formal and objective.

it is essential to

Highlights the critical importance of an action or element; emphasizes indispensability.

are advised to

Recommends a course of action but does not make it obligatory; suggests prudence.

FAQs

How do I use "are required to" in a sentence?

Use "are required to" to indicate an obligation or necessity. For example, "All students "are required to register" for the course."

What are some alternatives to "are required to"?

You can use alternatives such as "must", "need to", or "have to" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are required to" or "must"?

Both "are required to" and "must" indicate obligation, but "are required to" is often more formal and suitable for official or legal contexts, while "must" is more direct and versatile.

What is the difference between "are required to" and "are expected to"?

"Are required to" implies a strict obligation or rule, while "are expected to" suggests anticipation or a reasonable expectation without the same level of enforcement. For example "Employees "are required to attend" the safety training" versus "Employees "are expected to attend" the company picnic."