it must be that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it must be that' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to express the idea that something is likely to be true or correct, based on the available evidence. For example: "It must be that she is not feeling well; she hasn't been to work all week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must be that inheritance that has left its mark on Esther's generously served specialties at Itz Kosher.

Los Angeles Times

It must be that broad Lancastrian accent".

The Guardian - Sport

I thought, 'Oh my god, it must be that shirt.

The Guardian - Sport

It must be that friendship is the new enmity.

The New York Times

It must be that way for a diversified people to live together.

The New York Times

It must be that unmentionable characteristic for a virtuous woman of the day: sexual desire.

The New York Times - Books

So if this is a novel about migration it must be that act of putting in question.

The New Yorker

English is used to communicate our thoughts, so it must be that English is rich enough to express their content.

The Guardian - Books

Now I choke On empty walls, the lack of stacks, And everything that's gone with them (It must be that).

The Guardian - Books

If there's one overriding argument to maintaining a situation that causes so much trouble — apart from the tax breaks — it must be that enclaves relish their peculiar status.

The New York Times

The enemy: the menstruhater The menstruhater assumes that any time a direct assertion comes out of a woman's mouth it must be "that time of the month".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it must be that" to indicate a logical deduction based on available information, ensuring the context supports the inference you're making.

Common error

Avoid using "it must be that" when the conclusion is merely a possibility, not a strong likelihood. Consider using phrases like "it is likely that" or "it seems that" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must be that" functions as a modal expression of logical deduction or strong inference. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in drawing conclusions based on presented information or situations. The phrase introduces a statement that the speaker believes to be necessarily true given the available evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it must be that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong inference or logical conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to convey a high degree of certainty based on available evidence. While appropriate in various contexts, from news articles to scientific papers, it's important to ensure that the conclusion is well-supported by evidence and not merely speculative. Alternatives like "it is likely that" may be more suitable when expressing a possibility rather than a certainty. When writing, use the advice provided to ensure the best use of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it follows that

Formal alternative emphasizing a logical consequence.

it is likely that

Indicates probability rather than necessity.

it can be inferred that

Highlights the process of drawing a conclusion.

it is reasonable to assume that

Suggests a conclusion based on plausibility.

one can conclude that

Highlights the act of concluding something.

it would seem that

Expresses a tentative conclusion based on available information.

presumably

Short and more informal alternative suggesting an assumption.

it stands to reason that

Emphasizes the logical justification for a conclusion.

it suggests that

Implies that something indicates a particular conclusion.

the implication is that

Focuses on the consequence or result.

FAQs

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

Use "it must be that" to express a strong inference or logical conclusion based on evidence. For example, "The lights are off; "it must be that" no one is home".

What phrases are similar to "it must be that"?

Similar phrases include "it is likely that", "it follows that", and "it can be inferred that". These alternatives also convey a sense of deduction or conclusion.

When is it appropriate to use "it must be that"?

Use "it must be that" when you have sufficient evidence to draw a strong, logical conclusion. Avoid using it when the conclusion is speculative or lacks supporting information.

What is the difference between "it must be that" and "it might be that"?

"It must be that" indicates a higher degree of certainty based on evidence, while "it might be that" suggests a possibility or speculation. Choose the phrase that best reflects the strength of your inference.