data must be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "data must be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating requirements or conditions regarding data in various contexts, such as research, analysis, or data management. Example: "For the experiment to be valid, the data must be collected from reliable sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And the raw data must be wrong.

The Economist

It said data must be collected.

The Guardian

For some scientists, data must be earned the hard way.

The Guardian

DeVita was told that his data must be wrong.

The New Yorker

Data must be the key driving factor in your business.

The Guardian

All projects that draw on CPRD data must be made public, usually through published journals.

The Guardian

Before the Deep Thunder computer takes over, though, data must be collected.

The New York Times - Tech

The paper states that, "Personal data must be collected for specified purposes.

The Guardian

"Certain pieces of data must be collected and mailed back to Mountain View, California.

The Guardian - Tech

"Opposition based on emotion and dogma contradicted by data must be stopped".

The Guardian

But Mallett insisted that data must be interpreted correctly to find the most instructive insight.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "data must be", ensure that the subsequent verb and any modifying phrases clearly define the required action or state. For example, "data must be validated" is more effective than simply stating "data must be".

Common error

Avoid using excessive passive voice constructions with "data must be". Instead of "data must be collected by the system", prefer the more direct "the system must collect data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "data must be" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a requirement or necessity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in stating conditions that are essential for various processes and outcomes. The phrase sets a mandatory condition for data handling, processing or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "data must be" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey a mandatory condition or requirement concerning data. According to Ludwig's analysis, it functions primarily to instruct or prescribe actions related to data handling across contexts ranging from scientific research to business processes. The register is typically formal, reflecting its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like scientific journals, news media, and formal business documents. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication in various professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a well-understood and applicable phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data has to be

Replaces the modal verb "must" with "has to", indicating a similar level of obligation or necessity but sounds slightly less formal.

data needs to be

Uses "needs to be" to convey a requirement or necessity, often implying a functional or practical need.

data is required to be

Emphasizes the formal requirement for data to possess certain characteristics or undergo specific processes.

data is essential for

Highlights the critical importance of data in achieving a particular outcome or purpose.

data should be

Replaces "must" with "should", indicating a recommendation or expectation rather than a strict requirement.

data ought to be

Similar to "should be", but slightly more formal and less frequently used in contemporary English.

it is imperative that data be

Emphasizes the urgency and critical nature of the condition related to data.

data is to be

Uses "is to be" to express a planned or scheduled action or state concerning the data.

data will have to be

Indicates a future necessity, suggesting that circumstances will eventually require a certain condition for the data.

data cannot be without

Expresses a necessary condition by stating what the data cannot lack.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "data must be" to sound less formal?

You can use alternatives like "data needs to be" or "data has to be" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "data must be" and "data should be"?

"Data must be" implies a strict requirement or obligation, while "data should be" suggests a recommendation or expectation.

How to use "data must be" in a sentence?

Use "data must be" when stating a condition or requirement that is essential or necessary. For example, "Data must be accurate for the analysis to be valid".

What are some common synonyms for "data must be" in technical writing?

In technical writing, you can use phrases like "data is required to be" or "data is essential for" to maintain a formal tone.