has to be good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to be good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a necessity or expectation for something to meet a certain standard of quality. Example: "The final presentation has to be good if we want to impress the investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The product has to be good.

The New York Times

That has to be good for us.

The New Yorker

Everyone here has to be good.

The New York Times - Sports

But the play has to be good!

The Guardian - Opinion

She has to be good, right?

The New Yorker

"Your timing has to be good.

The New York Times

And that has to be good.

The Guardian - Travel

"It just has to be good enough".

The New York Times

So this has to be good, right?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That has to be good news.

The Guardian

That has to be good for business".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has to be good" to express a necessary condition or expectation for quality. For stronger emphasis, consider "must be excellent".

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "has to be good". Opt for more precise language like "must meet specified criteria" or "is required to achieve excellence" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to be good" functions as a modal phrase expressing necessity or requirement regarding quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something must meet a certain standard. Examples show its use in diverse scenarios, from movie quality to personal performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has to be good" is a common and versatile expression used to convey the necessity for something to meet a certain standard of quality or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. As demonstrated through numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's employed across various contexts, from evaluating movies to emphasizing the importance of competence in sports and business. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and opt for more precise language in highly formal settings. For stronger emphasis, alternatives such as "must be excellent" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be excellent

Emphasizes a higher standard of quality than "good".

is required to be top-notch

Highlights the mandatory aspect of achieving excellent quality.

is expected to be superb

Focuses on anticipated high quality.

must come up to scratch

Emphasizes that something must meet a required standard.

needs to be satisfactory

Focuses on meeting a minimum acceptable standard.

needs to cut the mustard

An idiomatic expression that means to be sufficient enough to succeed.

has got to be impressive

Emphasizes the need for something to create a strong positive impression.

should be acceptable

Indicates a preference rather than a strict requirement.

should measure up

Implies comparison against a standard of quality.

ought to be adequate

Suggests a moral obligation for the quality to be sufficient.

FAQs

How can I use "has to be good" in a sentence?

Use "has to be good" to express a necessity for something to meet a certain standard. For example, "The presentation "has to be good" to impress the client."

What are some alternatives to "has to be good"?

You can use alternatives like "must be excellent", "needs to be satisfactory", or "should be acceptable depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "has to be good"?

It's appropriate in many contexts where you want to emphasize that something must meet a certain quality standard. However, consider the formality of the situation and choose a more precise phrase if necessary.

Which is correct: "has to be good" or "needs to be good"?

Both "has to be good" and "needs to be good" are correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.