it shall contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it shall contain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal or legal contexts to specify requirements or conditions that must be included in a document or agreement. Example: "The contract shall specify the terms of payment, and it shall contain a clause regarding confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Minnesota, where one statutory requirement on the composition of the nine‐member State Pollution Control Agency is that it shall contain a farmer, air pollution regulations for cattle feed lots were proposed two years ago but have not been enacted yet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since NoteBurner utilizes virtual CD burning mechanism to convert audio files, it's suggested that one playlist shall contain no more than 74 minutes music, that's approximately 650 MB files, the standard capacity of Compact Disc.

WikiHow

If said basis shall contain an odd number of digits before said striking, it shall be decreased by one, after said striking, but before any further computation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In subsection (b)(1)(C), the words "for a tire containing" are substituted for "unless the tire contains. . . in which case it shall also contain" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Cornell University

The written request shall contain a statement of the reason the manual recount is being requested.

The New York Times

Such notice shall contain basic information about the property.

Cornell University

Among others, curricula of chemical engineering shall contain adequate education on process safety topics and relevant regulation.

Risk Analysis and Control for Industrial Processes - Gas, Oil and Chemicals A System Perspective for Assessing and Avoiding Low-Probability, High-Consequence Events

Client shall ensure that the headline, byline and credits published with the Services shall contain no additional clickable hyperlinks than those provided by GNM.

The Guardian

The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training.

Cornell University

This report shall contain an analysis of each of the items enumerated in subsection (a)(2).

Cornell University

Such return shall contain the information described in paragraph (b) of this section.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it shall contain" in legal documents, contracts, or formal guidelines to clearly state mandatory requirements for content or components. This phrase provides a strong directive.

Common error

Avoid using "it shall contain" in casual writing or speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it must have" or "it needs to include" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it shall contain" functions as a directive, primarily used to impose a mandatory requirement. Ludwig examples show its prevalence in legal and regulatory contexts, specifying what something must include.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it shall contain" is a formal directive primarily used in legal, regulatory, and academic contexts to specify mandatory requirements. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions to ensure clarity and compliance. While effective in formal writing, it's best to avoid using "it shall contain" in casual contexts, opting instead for simpler alternatives. Understanding its proper usage ensures precise and effective communication in settings where clarity and obligation are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it must include

Replaces 'shall' with 'must', indicating a strong obligation or necessity.

it is required to contain

Replaces 'shall' with a more explicit statement of requirement.

it should include

Substitutes 'shall' with 'should', suggesting a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

it is to include

Uses 'is to' as a formal way of expressing obligation or instruction.

it will encompass

Shifts the focus to encompassing or covering all aspects.

it needs to incorporate

Highlights the act of bringing elements together into a unified whole.

it will hold

Indicates that something will physically or conceptually contain something else.

it is inclusive of

Emphasizes that certain elements are included within a broader scope.

it has to feature

Focuses on highlighting or showcasing certain elements.

it is comprised of

Indicates that something is made up of specific components.

FAQs

What does "it shall contain" mean?

The phrase "it shall contain" is a formal way of saying that something is required to include or hold certain elements. It's often used in legal or official contexts to specify mandatory components.

When is it appropriate to use "it shall contain"?

Use "it shall contain" in formal settings such as legal agreements, official regulations, or technical specifications where you need to clearly state mandatory requirements. Avoid it in informal contexts.

Are there alternatives to "it shall contain"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it must include", "it should include", or "it is required to contain". The choice depends on the level of formality and the degree of obligation you want to convey.

Is "it shall contain" the same as "it will contain"?

No, "it shall contain" implies a requirement or obligation, whereas "it will contain" simply predicts a future state. Use "it shall contain" to impose a condition, and "it will contain" to describe an expected outcome.