essential to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essential to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is necessary or fundamental for a particular state or condition to exist. Example: "It is essential to be aware of the risks involved before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not essential to be liked in sport.

The Guardian - Sport

It is essential to be precise about the details.

The New York Times

It's not essential to be liked but it is for people to relate to you".

The Guardian

He was too popular, and too essential, to be sacrificed; the mayors backed down.

The Guardian - Books

As a tours and concerts manager, it's essential to be organised with excellent attention to detail.

The Guardian

"It's essential to be represented by someone who knows the culture," de Boisséson says.

The New York Times

But it is essential to be fit before going on such a trip.

The Guardian - Travel

That's a value that's essential to be successful in any endeavor.

The New York Times

He thought we sentimentalised God, whose cruelty was an essential to be embraced.

The Guardian

So women have not had what's essential to be able to create.

The New York Times - Arts

It is still essential to be writing something, at some point, but the pressure is off.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "essential to be", ensure that the context clearly indicates what outcome the necessity contributes to. For instance, "It's essential to be prepared before meeting with potential investors" clarifies the reason for being prepared.

Common error

Avoid using "essential to be" in situations where a simpler word like "necessary" or "important" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essential to be" functions as a modal infinitive phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to express necessity, requirement, or crucial importance. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in indicating what is indispensable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "essential to be" is a versatile tool for expressing necessity or crucial importance across various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and business writing. While "essential to be" is generally appropriate for formal communication, it's best to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives like "necessary" when appropriate. Remember to ensure clarity about what outcome the necessity relates to. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively integrate "essential to be" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vital to be

Replaces "essential" with "vital", emphasizing the critical nature of the action or state.

crucial to be

Substitutes "essential" with "crucial", suggesting that the action or state is decisive or extremely important.

necessary to be

A more direct synonym, replacing "essential" with "necessary", indicating a requirement.

imperative to be

Uses "imperative" instead of "essential", conveying a sense of urgency and command.

critical to be

Similar to "crucial", highlighting the importance of the action or state for success or avoiding failure.

indispensable to be

Emphasizes that something is so important that it cannot be done without.

fundamental to be

Highlights that the action or state forms a basic foundation.

important to be

A more general term that suggests significance but not necessarily absolute necessity.

requisite to be

Emphasizes that something is required by rules or regulations.

compulsory to be

Conveys that the action or state is mandated or obligatory.

FAQs

How can I use "essential to be" in a sentence?

Use "essential to be" to indicate something that is absolutely necessary or crucial for a specific purpose or outcome. For example: "It is "essential to be" honest in your dealings with others".

What are some alternatives to "essential to be"?

You can use alternatives such as "necessary to be", "crucial to be", or "vital to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "essential to be" in formal writing?

While "essential to be" is suitable for formal writing, ensure it's the most concise and impactful choice. Sometimes, a simpler word like "necessary" may be more effective. Be sure to choose the phrasing that best suits the context and audience.

What distinguishes "essential to be" from "important to be"?

"Essential to be" implies a greater degree of necessity than "important to be". Something that is "essential to be" is indispensable, while something that is "important to be" is significant but not necessarily vital.