it must be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a necessity or obligation to complete a task or action. Example: "The project deadline is approaching, and it must be done by Friday to meet our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It must be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

It must be done eventually.

The Economist

But it must be done.

The Economist

It must be done, it must be done.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It must be done soon.

The New York Times

"It must be done with the authorities.

The Guardian

It must be done," she said.

The Guardian

This time, it must be done right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Therefore, it must be done properly.

The Guardian - Film

But it is not impossible and it must be done.

The Economist

But, for some reason, it must be done.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it must be done" to clearly communicate an obligation or necessity, especially when outlining steps in a process or justifying a decision.

Common error

While "it must be done" is grammatically correct, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stiff. Consider using alternatives like "it has to be done" or "it needs to be done" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must be done" functions as an emphatic declarative statement expressing a high degree of necessity or obligation. This phrase is often used to emphasize the importance of completing a task or fulfilling a requirement. Examples provided by Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

20%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it must be done" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate a strong necessity or obligation. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that it frequently appears in news and media, scientific literature, and wiki contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. While generally neutral to formal, consider using less forceful alternatives in casual settings to avoid sounding overly rigid. Remember, clarity and context are key when emphasizing the importance of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has to be done

Offers a more casual and conversational tone.

it needs to be done

Similar to 'has to be done' but slightly less forceful.

it is imperative

Emphasizes urgency and critical importance.

it is essential

Highlights the fundamental necessity of the action.

it is required

Suggests a formal obligation or rule.

it is necessary

States a need for the action to occur.

it is mandatory

Indicates an obligatory action due to a regulation.

it's a must

A concise, emphatic expression of necessity.

it is unavoidable

Highlights the lack of alternatives; the action cannot be skipped.

action is compulsory

Indicates the action is enforced by a set of rules and expectations.

FAQs

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

Use "it must be done" to express a strong necessity or obligation. For instance, "The report is due tomorrow; "it must be done" on time to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to saying "it must be done"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is essential", "it is necessary", or "it has to be done", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "it must be do" instead of "it must be done"?

No, "it must be do" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""it must be done"", where "done" is the past participle of the verb "to do".

What's the difference between "it must be done" and "it should be done"?

"It must be done" indicates a strong obligation or necessity, whereas "it should be done" suggests a recommendation or advisability, but not necessarily a requirement.