are required to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are required to use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating obligations or necessities regarding the use of something, often in formal or instructional contexts. Example: "All employees are required to use the new software for tracking their hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pesticide applicators are required to use necessary preventive measures and to comply with label requirements to minimize pesticide drift.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Next year, refiners are required to use 100 million gallons.

The New York Times

The parties are required to use some level of effort to complete the transaction.

The New York Times

The audience are collaborators who are required to use their imaginations to conjure up images.

The Guardian

No credentials are required to use the Rose Main Reading Room.

The New York Times

We are required to use only the tax codes supplied by HMRC.

The Telegraph

With few exceptions, generic manufacturers are required to use the same labels as the brand names.

The New York Times

Real writers are required to use real names; why not online "commenters"?

The New York Times - Magazine

Cyclists in the street are required to use a bike lane, if there is one in the street itself.

The New York Times

But Shiite Islam is not very hierarchical, and its clergymen are required to use their judgment on any given issue.

The New York Times

You read that right: Right now, local cops are required to use that free MRAP or grenade launcher.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are required to use", ensure the context clearly establishes who is subject to the requirement and what they are obligated to use. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are required to use" without clearly specifying who is subject to the requirement. For example, instead of "Applications are required to use specific formatting", specify "Applicants are required to use specific formatting" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are required to use" functions as a modal construction indicating obligation or necessity. Ludwig demonstrates its use in various contexts, from formal regulations to practical instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

32%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are required to use" effectively conveys a mandatory action or obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources, including news outlets, academic publications, and scientific articles. Although suitable for a wide range of contexts, paying attention to the clarity of who is bound by the requirement prevents misunderstanding. Alternatives such as "must utilize" and "are obligated to use" offer ways to express similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must utilize

Replaces "are required to use" with a more concise and direct expression of obligation.

are obligated to use

Emphasizes the binding nature of the requirement.

have to use

Offers a more informal and common way to express necessity.

are compelled to use

Highlights the enforcement aspect of the requirement.

are bound to use

Indicates a formal or legal obligation.

are under an obligation to use

Expands on the concept of obligation for greater emphasis.

need to use

Focuses on the necessity rather than the obligation.

should use

Suggests a strong recommendation bordering on a requirement.

are expected to use

Implies a standard or norm that is usually followed.

are advised to use

Offers a slightly softer tone, indicating a recommended course of action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are required to use" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can replace "are required to use" with alternatives like "are obligated to use" or "are compelled to use", depending on the context.

What is a less formal alternative to "are required to use"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "have to use" or "need to use", which convey the same necessity but in a more conversational tone.

How does "are required to use" differ from "are expected to use"?

"Are required to use" indicates a strict obligation or mandate, while "are expected to use" implies a strong recommendation or standard practice that is generally followed but not necessarily enforced with the same rigor.

Is it always necessary to specify who "are required to use" something?

Yes, it's best to specify who "are required to use" something to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Specific software is required to use", clarify by saying "All employees are required to use specific software".