it must be challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must be challenged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that something should be questioned, disputed, or tested, often in a context of debate or critical analysis. Example: "The prevailing theory in the field is widely accepted, but it must be challenged to ensure its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And it must be challenged.

Independent

I'm challenging society and it must be challenged because it's wrong".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And it's engaging, and it's open…" For a touring band the size of Calexico's, it must be challenging as well.

The Guardian

It must be challenging, though, preparing yourself to compete, getting into the zone, and then someone taps you on the shoulder for an autograph.

The Guardian - Sport

Lloyd: We get a lot of people who ask that question on the assumption that it must be challenging not to be at each other's throats, but as far as I'm concerned it is close to being a piece of cake.

The New York Times

It must be challenging to write new material and ideas every day?

BBC

I'm trying not to offend you here, but it must be challenging to have a solo career when the Manhattan Transfer is such a force of nature.

Huffington Post

While all of the elements of his legacy, including winning the Cold War, bringing about morning in America and restoring America to its greatness, can, and indeed must, be challenged, it remains true that in death, Reagan is above reproach.

Huffington Post

It is this culture that must be challenged if we are to prevent such scenes from happening again.

The Guardian - Books

That is one weapon with which the threat of Islamic extremism must be challenged; but it is only one.

The New York Times

This must be challenged because it privileges action on hunger over nutrition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it must be challenged", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being challenged and why. Providing specific reasons strengthens the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it must be challenged" excessively in passive voice. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Opt for active voice where possible to directly state who should be challenging it. For example, instead of "it must be challenged", consider "researchers must challenge this assumption".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must be challenged" functions as a directive, indicating a requirement or strong recommendation for something to be questioned or opposed. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase implies that a certain status quo, assumption, or belief needs critical evaluation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it must be challenged" is a phrase used to express the necessity of questioning or disputing something, often with the goal of prompting change or improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While "it must be challenged" is a valid phrase, remember to avoid overusing passive voice and always ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being challenged and why. Consider using alternative phrases such as "it needs to be questioned" or "it should be contested" for a slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's important to challenge

Uses a more informal tone while retaining the core meaning.

it needs to be questioned

Replaces "must" with "needs to", softening the obligation while retaining the sense of inquiry.

it should be contested

Emphasizes the act of disputing or arguing against something, rather than simply questioning it.

it's crucial to scrutinize

Similar to "requires scrutiny" but emphasizes the importance of the scrutiny.

it requires scrutiny

Focuses on the need for careful and thorough examination.

it is vital that we challenge

Adds a sense of urgency and emphasizes the collective responsibility to challenge.

it warrants examination

Suggests that something deserves a closer look and analysis.

it demands a critical assessment

Highlights the necessity of a rigorous and objective evaluation.

it is imperative to question

Replaces "must be" with "it is imperative to", adding a sense of urgency.

it is essential to dispute

Emphasizes the fundamental need to challenge or disagree with something.

FAQs

How can I use "it must be challenged" in a sentence?

You can use "it must be challenged" to express the need to question or dispute something. For example, "This long-held belief "it must be challenged" in light of new evidence."

What can I say instead of "it must be challenged"?

You can use alternatives like "it needs to be questioned", "it should be contested", or "it requires scrutiny depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it must be challenged" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "it must be challenged" when you want to emphasize the importance of questioning or disputing a particular idea, concept, or practice. This phrase is often used in academic, professional, or persuasive writing.

What is the difference between "it must be challenged" and "it should be challenged"?

"It must be challenged" implies a stronger sense of necessity or obligation than "it should be challenged". "Must" indicates that questioning or disputing something is essential, while "should" suggests that it is advisable or recommended.