it's a must

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's a must" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing something that is considered essential or necessary. For example, "Going to the gym to stay in shape is a must for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sadly, it's a must.

Independent

It's a must for me.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a must for foodies.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's a must," Jesse said.

The New York Times

He says: "It's a must read.

The Guardian

"It's a must fight," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It's a must-win.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a must-see lineup.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a must-win match".

Independent

"It's a must-win game.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a must-listen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's a must" to clearly and directly communicate that something is essential or required. This phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts where you need to emphasize the importance of an action or item.

Common error

While "it's a must" is effective, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms like "essential", "necessary", or "imperative" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's a must" functions as a predicative expression, asserting that something is essential or obligatory. It is used to strongly recommend or emphasize the necessity of a particular action, item, or experience. Ludwig examples show it being used in diverse contexts, from travel recommendations to professional advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's a must" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the necessity or essential nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain writing impact. Top authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian. Remember to use this phrase to clearly communicate the importance of an action or item in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is essential

Replaces "must" with "essential", emphasizing the importance.

it's a necessity

Transforms the phrase to focus on the noun "necessity".

it is imperative

Uses "imperative" to highlight the urgency and necessity of something.

it's crucial

Emphasizes the critical importance of something.

it is necessary

Substitutes "must" with "necessary", indicating a requirement.

it's vital

Highlights the life-depending importance of something.

it is required

Emphasizes that something is not optional but demanded.

it's non-negotiable

Indicates that there is no room for compromise or discussion.

it's indispensable

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

it is obligatory

Highlights a legal or moral compulsion.

FAQs

How can I use "it's a must" in a sentence?

Use "it's a must" to indicate that something is essential or highly recommended. For example, "Trying the local cuisine is a must when you visit Italy".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's a must"?

You can use alternatives like "it is essential", "it is imperative", or "it is necessary" depending on the context.

Is "it's a must" formal or informal?

"It's a must" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in many professional and casual contexts. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "it is essential" or "it is imperative".

What's the difference between "it's a must" and "it's a necessity"?

While both phrases convey the importance of something, "it's a must" is more of a directive or strong recommendation, whereas "it's a necessity" focuses on the essential nature of the item or action. They can often be used interchangeably, but "it's a necessity" might be more suitable when emphasizing a fundamental need.