Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
both are must
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "both are must" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate expression would be "both are a must" or "both are necessary." Example: "For this project, both are a must to ensure success."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Both are must-win states for Trump.
News & Media
See its equally hilarious sequel, set in 2024, as well -- Both are must-sees!! Screen capture, Mary Ellen Harte.
News & Media
Both are must-haves for collectors but not the first CDs of choice for anyone knew to Bing.
News & Media
For anyone who wants to understand the differences (and similarities) between Clinton and Obama, both pieces are must-reads.
News & Media
"Whatever system is finally adopted, assuming it eventually is, must reflect both of those principles".
News & Media
Both are a must, as are the collard greens, sliced thin and cooked in garlic and olive oil.
News & Media
Both are a must for those interested in materials development and discovery, says Wilhelm F. Maier.
Science
The experiment name and gene object must both be given.
Science
You and your team-mate must both be Kirby.
Wiki
Both are wrong and both must stop.
News & Media
They are both being affected and must be rehabilitated.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When indicating that two items are crucial, use the construction "both are a must" or more formal alternatives like "both are essential" or "both are required".
Common error
Avoid using "both are must" directly. It's grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "both are a must" or rephrase using alternatives like "both are essential".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "both are must" attempts to express the necessity of two entities. However, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI highlights this issue, suggesting alternative and correct formulations.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
34%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "both are must" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, better alternatives include "both "are a must"", "both are essential", or "both are required". While the intended meaning might be clear from context, using correct grammar enhances clarity and credibility. The frequency of this phrase is rare, and it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and informal communications, but its incorrectness makes it unsuitable for professional or academic settings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Both are essential
Replaces "must" with "essential", focusing on the necessity of both items.
Both are required
Substitutes "must" with "required", indicating a mandatory aspect.
Both are necessary
Replaces "must" with "necessary", emphasizing that both items are needed.
Both are a must-have
Adds "-have" to "must", turning it into a compound adjective that highlights essential items.
Both are indispensable
Replaces the original with a stronger word, suggesting items are utterly critical.
Each is a necessity
Each item is considered individually and described like something that you cannot do without
Both items are crucial
Use "crucial" to underscore a high level of importance of both items
Both should be prioritized
Both should be prioritized over other options
Pay attention to both
Shift the focus of the sentence to make it more of a consideration
Consider both
Shift the focus of the sentence to make it more of a consideration
FAQs
How can I correctly use the idea of "both are must" in a sentence?
The phrase "both are must" is grammatically incorrect. Use alternatives such as "both "are a must"", "both are essential", or "both are required" to convey the intended meaning.
What's a better way to say "both are must"?
Instead of "both are must", try "both "are necessary"", "both are indispensable", or "both "are crucial"". These options are grammatically correct and convey a similar sense of importance.
Is it ever correct to say "both are must"?
No, "both are must" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "both "are a must"", "both are essential", or "both are required".
What's the difference between "both are must" and "both are a must"?
"Both are must" is grammatically incorrect. "Both "are a must"" is the correct idiomatic expression to indicate that two things are essential or necessary. Prefer the latter.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested