it absolutely must

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it absolutely must" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the necessity or urgency of an action or requirement. Example: "For the project to succeed, it absolutely must be completed by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

All of their major legislative efforts have been constructed without any regard to "regular order" whatsoever ― they spent long periods of time bickering among themselves in back rooms (far from the public eye), and then they presented the result with the caveat that it absolutely must be voted on within mere hours of its release.

Huffington Post

It absolutely must be addressed to ensure America's future and its enduring greatness.

Huffington Post

It absolutely must involve a risk assessment of those who are traveling".

The New York Times

But a new research report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (yes! Box-wine research!) reveals that it absolutely must be kept cool enough, in storage.

The New York Times

As long as German science has any means of giving such a man financial security, it absolutely must do so, the more so since his hearing impairment bars him from a large number of other ave- nues.

Princeton University

Tina Fey, speaking at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, California (via BuzzFeed), was also asked about the Paris atrocity: You look at [the Charlie Hebdo attack] and you look at the controversy surrounding The Interview, it makes you think about how important free speech is and how it absolutely must be defended.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But Richard Briers, who was acting with my mother in the West End, said I absolutely must do it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That and the fact that I absolutely must have it.

TechCrunch

As the decline has already started, I know I cannot avoid brain mushiness altogether but I don't want to endure it any longer than I absolutely must.

Huffington Post

No matter how clearly the prisoner says, "I did it," there absolutely must be a trial.

Huffington Post

It also absolutely must include a mirror that has been properly angled before you turn the ignition key.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it absolutely must" to emphasize the critical importance of an action or decision, especially when clarifying expectations or delivering strong recommendations.

Common error

Avoid using "it absolutely must" in casual conversations; it can sound overly assertive or formal. Opt for milder alternatives like "it really should" or "it's a good idea to" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it absolutely must" functions as a strong modal expression, indicating a high degree of necessity or obligation. As shown in Ludwig, it adds emphasis to a requirement. The adverb "absolutely" intensifies the modal verb "must", reinforcing the imperative nature of the statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It absolutely must" is a phrase used to convey a strong sense of necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is often employed in news, academic and wiki contexts. To maintain effective communication, avoid overuse in informal settings where it can come across as too assertive. Consider softer alternatives like "it really should" or "it is essential" when a less forceful tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imperative

Replaces "absolutely must" with a more formal term emphasizing critical importance.

it is essential

Substitutes "absolutely must" with a term highlighting fundamental necessity.

it is crucial

Changes "absolutely must" to a phrase underscoring the critical nature of something.

it is vital

Replaces "absolutely must" to indicate something is indispensable.

it is a necessity

Transforms "absolutely must" into a noun phrase emphasizing requirement.

it is mandatory

Substitutes "absolutely must" with a term indicating a requirement by rule or law.

it is obligatory

Changes "absolutely must" to a term suggesting a binding requirement.

it simply must

Replaces "absolutely must" to slightly soften the tone while maintaining emphasis.

it definitely must

Substitutes "absolutely" with "definitely" to modify emphasis subtly.

it undeniably must

Replaces "absolutely" with "undeniably" to strengthen the sense of obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "it absolutely must" in a sentence?

The phrase "it absolutely must" is used to emphasize that something is essential or obligatory. For example: "For the project to succeed, "it absolutely must" be completed by the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "it absolutely must"?

You can use alternatives like "it is imperative", "it is essential", or "it is crucial" to convey a similar sense of necessity.

When is it appropriate to use "it absolutely must"?

Use "it absolutely must" when you want to strongly emphasize the importance of a requirement or action. It's appropriate in situations where there's no room for negotiation or compromise.

Is "it absolutely must" too strong for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "it absolutely must" can sound forceful. In informal settings, consider softer alternatives like "it really should" or "it is a good idea" to maintain a more approachable tone.