Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it must match
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it must match" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something needs to be in agreement or correspond with another item or standard. Example: "For the application to be processed, the information provided must match the documents submitted."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
Professor John Ruggie's report makes 25 explicit recommendations, praising Fifa for making a start in addressing the situation by commissioning the report – but he said it must match its words with action.
News & Media
If the company offers a bigger discount to any one of its other customers, it must match that price for Medicaid.
News & Media
John Lewis is running a one-day Black Friday sale in stores and online partly because Apple will be offering discounts and its "never knowingly undersold" price pledge means it must match cheaper prices elsewhere.
News & Media
Yet public broadcasting itself has been embracing elements of commercialization because it must match the increasingly sophisticated thrusts of its commercial competitors, PBS executives assert.
News & Media
To do this it must match salaries being paid at other top-ranking schools - particularly in the US.
News & Media
Therefore, they said, the city was still $78.6 million behind the state's commitment of $98.6 million, which it must match.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
At the end of the game, the winning team performs a rousing Grand Finale Celebration Dance that the losing team -- yep, you guessed it -- must match!
News & Media
Whatever you're talking about, know that it has a gender -- if you need to describe it, that gender must match.
Wiki
The quality of its human capital must match its quantity.
News & Media
If you must match it, then try to make sure that at least one piece isn't from the "set".
Wiki
It pointed out that under the Dodd-Frank Act the fees it collects from financial institutions must "match the total amount appropriated for the agency by Congress" and "under this mechanism, SEC funding will be deficit-neutral, as any increase or decrease in the SEC's budget would result in a corresponding rise or fall in offsetting fee collections".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
To enhance readability and flow, consider replacing "it must match" with alternatives like "it needs to align" or "it has to correspond" when appropriate.
Common error
Avoid using "it must match" without clearly specifying what 'it' refers to, and the criteria for matching. Vague references can lead to ambiguity and weaken your writing.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it must match" typically functions as a predicate, expressing a requirement for agreement or correspondence between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application across various contexts, emphasizing a need for conformity.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
16%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Academia
8%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it must match" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote a necessary agreement or correspondence between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The expression is prevalent in news, scientific, and general contexts, emphasizing the need for something to conform to a standard or requirement. To maintain clarity, ensure that what "it" refers to is clearly defined. Consider alternatives like "it needs to align" or "it has to correspond" for stylistic variation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it needs to align
Emphasizes arrangement or positioning in agreement, rather than a direct correspondence.
it has to correspond
Highlights a necessary relationship or similarity between two things.
it must be consistent with
Highlights the need for uniformity and lack of contradiction.
it should coincide
Suggests events or details happening or existing at the same time or place, implying agreement.
it is required to conform
Highlights the necessity to adhere to a specific standard or rule.
it should be in agreement
Specifies that opinions or details should be in harmony or accord.
it is obliged to equate
Focuses on an obligation to make two things equal or comparable.
it is essential to harmonize
Stresses the importance of creating agreement or compatibility.
it needs to be identical
Indicates that two things should be exactly the same.
it is imperative to mirror
Suggests the need to accurately reflect or imitate something else.
FAQs
What does "it must match" mean in grammar?
The phrase "it must match" means that something needs to be in agreement or correspondence with another item or standard. For example, in the sentence, "For the application to be processed, the information provided "must match" the documents submitted".
How to use "it must match" in a sentence?
You can use "it must match" when indicating a requirement for alignment or correspondence. For instance: "The color of the new paint "it must match" the existing walls".
What can I say instead of "it must match"?
You can use alternatives like "it needs to align", "it has to correspond", or "it should coincide" depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use "it must match"?
It's appropriate when specifying a mandatory requirement for things to be consistent or identical. Example: "The serial number on the device "it must match" the one listed in the warranty".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested