be required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is necessary or mandatory in a given context. Example: "All applicants must be required to submit their resumes by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Subscription may be required).

The New York Times

More will be required.

The New York Times

Will evidence be required?

The New York Times

Adjustments will be required.

The New Yorker

"It will be required".

The New York Times

will no longer be required.

The New Yorker

Thankfully, they won't be required.

Independent

More must be required.

The New York Times

Psychoanalysis seems to be required.

The New York Times - Books

Oral presentations would be required.

The New York Times - Tech

A referendum won't be required.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be required", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is subject to the requirement to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Subscription may be required", specify "A subscription may be required for full access".

Common error

Avoid using "be required" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "need" or "have to" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be required" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something is subject to a requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. The examples show it expressing necessity or obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be required" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, especially formal, informative, and instructional settings. While prevalent across various domains, its usage is particularly frequent in News & Media. When writing, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate alternative in informal settings. Remember to be specific about who or what is subject to the requirement to avoid ambiguity. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "be required" to convey necessary information with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be necessary

Indicates a need or necessity, similar to being required, but with a slightly different emphasis.

be obligatory

Emphasizes a legal or moral obligation, carrying a stronger sense of duty than "be required".

be mandatory

Stresses that something is compulsory or enforced, similar to "be required" in formal settings.

be essential

Highlights the crucial importance of something, suggesting it's indispensable.

be indispensable

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

be needed

A more general term for indicating a lack or deficiency, implying something is wanted or necessary.

be a must

An informal way of saying something is essential or highly recommended.

be called for

Suggests that something is appropriate or necessary in a given situation.

be expected

Implies that something is anticipated or considered normal, often in a professional or social context.

be advisable

Indicates that something is recommended or prudent, but not necessarily compulsory.

FAQs

How can I use "be required" in a sentence?

Use "be required" to indicate that something is necessary or mandatory. For example, "All participants will "be required to attend" the training session."

What are some alternatives to "be required"?

Alternatives include "be necessary", "be mandatory", or "be obligatory", depending on the specific context and the level of formality needed.

Is it better to use "be required" or "is required"?

"Be required" is often used in passive constructions, while "is required" can be used when the subject is singular and the tense is present. Both are correct, but their usage depends on the sentence structure. An example using "is required" is "Valid photo identification is required".

What's the difference between "be required" and "be necessary"?

While both indicate something is needed, "be required" often implies a rule or obligation. "Be necessary", on the other hand, suggests something is essential for a particular outcome. For example, a visa might "be required" for travel, while careful planning might "be necessary" for a successful project.