it is a must

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a must" is correct and can be used in written English.
Its usage usually indicates that whatever follows is extremely important or necessary. For example, "Having a positive attitude is a must if you want to achieve success in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Now it is a must.

The New York Times

It is a must game for them.

The New York Times

It is a must for the EU.

The Guardian

"It is a must to be normal".

The New York Times

It is a must for wedding feasts and Christmas.

The New York Times - Food

There is real artistry here: it is a must.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It is a must-do in Ubud, famed for its pork ribs and brutal martinis.

BBC

It is a must-read for anyone, boy or girl.

The Guardian

For them, if not everyone, it is a must-to-consume.

The New York Times - Food

It is a must-read for anybody interested in food politics and environmental justice.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is a must-read for philosophers of social science and philosophically inclined social scientists.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is a must", ensure that the context clearly indicates what depends on this requirement. This helps the audience understand the significance of the requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a must" for minor preferences or trivial suggestions. Overusing the phrase weakens its impact, so reserve it for expressing genuine necessities to maintain its forcefulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a must" functions as an emphatic expression of necessity or obligation. It typically highlights that something is not merely recommended but absolutely required. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a must" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the critical importance or necessity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It finds application across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse, making it a versatile tool for conveying strong recommendations or obligations. While widely accepted, it's advisable to reserve its use for genuinely essential matters to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is essential

Emphasizes the fundamental importance of something.

it is imperative

Highlights the urgency and necessity of something.

it is crucial

Stresses the decisive importance of something.

it is vital

Indicates that something is necessary for life or success.

it is obligatory

Implies a legal or moral requirement.

it is required

States that something is needed or necessary.

it is compulsory

Suggests that something is enforced or mandatory.

it is indispensable

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

it is paramount

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something.

it is non-negotiable

Indicates that something cannot be compromised or changed.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is a must" to emphasize the necessity of something, like: "For anyone interested in architecture, visiting this building "it is a must see"".

What can I say instead of "it is a must"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is a must"?

Yes, the phrase "it is a must" is grammatically correct and widely used to indicate something is essential or necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

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

"It is a must" carries a stronger emphasis on the indispensability of something compared to "it is necessary", which simply indicates a requirement.