it must cease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must cease" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something should stop or come to an end, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "The harmful practices in the industry must cease immediately to protect the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The government of the UK must cease to vitiate the civil liberties of its people, it must cease to use its territory and its transport facilities as an auxiliary to American military misbehaviour.

The Guardian - Tech

"Likewise, the government of South Sudan must end its support for armed groups inside Sudan, and it must cease its military actions across the border," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Trump, to his credit, has indeed delivered a message about Russia's actions with regards to Ukraine and others, saying earlier this month that it must "cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere" and end its support for "hostile" governments in Syria and Iran.

The Washington Post

It must cease the persecution of its civilian population.

The Guardian

And it must cease to deny freedom of the press.

The Guardian - Tech

But right now, it must cease this self-flagellating solipsism, stop looking backward, and let the future speak.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It is right and good that it should be there, and all activity must cease while it rests, sphinx-like, on my legs.

Huffington Post

It is something that must cease to exist.

Huffington Post

The Indian government has said that all guerrilla infiltration must cease before it reduces its heavy deployment in the region.

The New York Times

If it is not met, the line must cease operations.

The New York Times

He has made it clear that all paramilitary activity must cease if the political process is to succeed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it must cease", ensure the context is formal or serious, as it carries a strong tone of necessity and finality. It's best suited for situations where a clear directive or urgent call for cessation is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "it must cease" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it needs to stop" or "it has to end" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must cease" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong necessity or obligation for something to stop. It is commonly used to issue a command or make a firm recommendation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it must cease" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey a strong necessity for something to stop. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for formal contexts like news reports and official statements, but less suited for casual conversation. Alternatives such as "it has to stop" or "it needs to end" may be more appropriate in informal settings. The phrase's function is to issue a command or make a firm recommendation, aiming to halt a particular activity with a sense of urgency and finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has to stop

Changes the modal verb from "must" to "has to", making it slightly less formal.

it needs to end

Uses a different verb ("need") and a more direct word ("end") instead of "cease", simplifying the phrase.

it should be discontinued

Employs a passive voice and the word "discontinued", making it more formal and less direct.

it is imperative to stop

Replaces "must cease" with "is imperative to stop", increasing the emphasis on the urgency.

it is required to halt

Similar to "imperative to stop" but uses "required to halt", conveying a sense of obligation or regulation.

it is essential to terminate

Uses "essential to terminate" for a more formal and decisive tone, suitable for official contexts.

it's got to give

Presents a more colloquial way of indicating that something cannot continue.

this has to be abolished

Focuses on abolishing something, adding a sense of complete removal or cancellation.

the practice must be stopped

Explicitly refers to a "practice" and uses the passive voice, shifting the focus slightly.

we must put an end to this

Shifts the perspective to a collective "we", emphasizing a shared responsibility to stop something.

FAQs

What does "it must cease" mean?

The phrase "it must cease" means that something needs to stop or come to an end. It expresses a strong obligation or necessity for a particular action or behavior to discontinue.

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

Use "it must cease" to express a formal command or strong recommendation that something should stop. For example, "The company's unethical practices "it must cease" immediately to restore public trust".

What can I say instead of "it must cease"?

You can use alternatives like "it has to stop", "it needs to end", or "it should be discontinued" depending on the desired level of formality and directness.

Is "it must cease" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "it must cease" is generally considered too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler phrases like "it needs to stop" or "it has to end" are more appropriate for informal contexts.