it must show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must show" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is required to demonstrate or reveal a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "In order to be accepted into the program, it must show a clear understanding of the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because the company faces the prospect of a criminal indictment, which could devastate its business, it must show prosecutors it wants to cooperate, legal experts have said.

The New York Times

ROME — As the Roman Catholic Church grapples with a widening sexual abuse scandal involving its clergy, it must show that it has "nothing to hide," the Vatican spokesman said Saturday.

The New York Times

(Before an airline can change its device rules, it must show the FAA that its fleet can withstand radio interference).

Huffington Post

Netflix must embrace the responsibility to make sure its growth is powered by renewables, not fossil fuels and it must show its leadership here," said Greenpeace USA Senior IT Analyst, Gary Cook, also in a statement.

TechCrunch

"Netflix must embrace the responsibility to make sure its growth is powered by renewables, not fossil fuels and it must show its leadership here," the report states.

Huffington Post

For the State to enforce a content-based exclusion, it must show that its regulation is necessary to serve a compelling state interest and that it is narrowly drawn to achieve that end...

Cornell University

During that time it must show that it can keep its national currency stable against the euro.

The Economist

Despite its hostility towards superstitious practices, it feels it must show gratitude to the families of millions who perished for the cause.

The Economist

Because Sony proceeds under a tarnishment theory of dilution, it must show under this fourth element that its PlayStation mark will "suffer negative associations" through Connectix's use.

Harvard University

But it must show that".

The New York Times

To merit power, it must show more responsibility.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it must show", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to and what needs to be demonstrated. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it must show" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "it needs to" or "it has to" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must show" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a necessity or obligation for something to demonstrate a particular quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it must show" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal verb phrase that indicates a necessity for demonstrating or proving something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, highlighting its versatility. While generally neutral to formal, it's crucial to consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase, as alternatives might be more appropriate in informal settings. Understanding its function and purpose ensures effective communication in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to demonstrate

Replaces "must" with "needs to", softening the tone slightly while maintaining the requirement of demonstration.

it is required to prove

Emphasizes the legal or formal necessity of providing evidence or verification.

it has to exhibit

Uses "has to" instead of "must", and "exhibit" instead of "show", indicating a need for display or presentation.

it is essential to reveal

Highlights the importance of making something visible or known, shifting the focus to revelation.

it should illustrate

Suggests that the subject should provide an example or clarification, implying a less forceful demand.

it is important to indicate

Focuses on pointing out or suggesting something, rather than a strict requirement of showing proof.

it has a duty to evidence

Implies a moral or legal obligation to provide proof or evidence of something.

it is incumbent upon it to display

Formal and emphasizes the responsibility to make something evident.

it is obliged to manifest

A very formal phrase indicating a necessity to outwardly display or reveal something.

it must establish

Focuses on the act of setting up or proving a fact or argument, rather than simply showing something.

FAQs

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

Use "it must show" to emphasize the necessity of demonstrating something. For example, "To be considered a success, "it must show" a clear return on investment."

What's a less formal way to say "it must show"?

Alternatives include "it needs to show", "it has to show", or "it should show" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

What does "it must show" imply in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "it must show" often indicates a burden of proof. For example, "To win the case, "it must show" that the defendant acted negligently."

How does "it must show" differ from "it should show"?

"It must show" indicates a stronger obligation or requirement compared to "it should show", which suggests a recommendation or expectation.