is mandatory

USAGE SUMMARY

"is mandatory" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when something must be done and cannot be avoided. For example: Completion of a safety training course is mandatory for all new employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Heft is mandatory.

The New York Times

A helmet is mandatory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Israel's draft is mandatory.

The New York Times

Picture snapping is mandatory.

The New York Times - Travel

Participation in karaoke is mandatory.

The New York Times

And haggling is mandatory.

The New York Times - Travel

Getting down is mandatory.

The New York Times - Sports

It is mandatory.

The Guardian

Clearly, diligence is mandatory.

The New York Times

Attendance is mandatory.

Stanford University

Grading: Attendance is mandatory.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is mandatory" when clearly stating a requirement that cannot be avoided. For example, "Attendance is mandatory" leaves no room for interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "is mandatory" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "required" or "necessary" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is mandatory" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being required or obligatory. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples where it modifies a noun or noun phrase to indicate a binding requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

23%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is mandatory" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is required. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to state rules and obligations across different fields. While frequently found in news, academic texts, and formal documents, its use in informal settings might sound overly formal. It's crucial to consider the context when choosing between "is mandatory" and synonyms such as "is required" or "is necessary". Utilizing this phrase effectively involves being mindful of your audience and the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required

Replaces "mandatory" with the synonym "required", maintaining a similar level of formality.

is obligatory

Substitutes "mandatory" with "obligatory", offering a more formal tone.

is compulsory

Uses "compulsory" instead of "mandatory", implying a forceful requirement.

is a must

Replaces "mandatory" with the idiom "a must", making it less formal.

is essential

Substitutes "mandatory" with "essential", highlighting the importance of the action.

is imperative

Uses "imperative" instead of "mandatory", suggesting a critical and urgent need.

is a necessity

Replaces "mandatory" with the noun phrase "a necessity", emphasizing the indispensable nature of the requirement.

is unavoidable

Substitutes "mandatory" with "unavoidable", focusing on the lack of alternatives.

is non-negotiable

Uses "non-negotiable" instead of "mandatory", indicating the requirement cannot be discussed or altered.

is a prerequisite

Replaces "mandatory" with "a prerequisite", highlighting that it is a condition that must be met beforehand.

FAQs

What does "is mandatory" mean?

The phrase "is mandatory" means something is required by a rule or law and must be done. It signifies that there is no option to avoid or skip the action or requirement.

When should I use "is mandatory" in my writing?

Use "is mandatory" when you want to emphasize the obligatory nature of something, especially in formal contexts like legal documents, official announcements, or academic guidelines. For less formal situations, consider using "is required" or "is necessary".

What are some alternatives to "is mandatory"?

Some alternatives to "is mandatory" include "is obligatory", "is compulsory", "is essential", and "is a must", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is mandatory" and "is required"?

While both phrases indicate a requirement, "is mandatory" often implies a stronger, more formal obligation, often enforced by a rule or law. "Is required" is generally a bit less forceful and can be used in a broader range of situations.