must abide

USAGE SUMMARY

"must abide" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way of expressing obligation, and is usually used with the simple present tense. Example: "I must abide by the rules of the contest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We must abide by these rulings".

The New York Times

We must abide in full," he said.

The Guardian

Buildings everywhere must abide by fire codes.

Cornell University

Schools must abide by the same rules on exclusions.

The Guardian

Cells must abide by a number of constraints.

Stanford University

All teams and participants must abide by MIT's Harassment Policy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Those who accept the public funds must abide by a strict spending cap.

The New York Times

"They are a sophisticated tenant, and they have a lease by which they must abide".

The New York Times

And as an agent, I must abide by my management's decision".

The New York Times

"I am appealing to the people of Malawi that we must abide the rules.

The New York Times

"God gave us laws that we must abide by," he said early on the campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must abide", ensure the context clearly defines what rules, laws, or agreements are being referred to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must abide" in contexts where the obligation is merely a suggestion or a preference. This phrase denotes a strict requirement, not a casual recommendation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must abide" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing obligation or necessity. It signifies that adherence to a particular set of rules, laws, or agreements is not optional but required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must abide" is a modal verb phrase used to express a strong obligation to follow rules, laws, or agreements. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news media, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure the specific obligations are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While "must abide" is generally suitable for formal and informal settings, consider the nuance of the context to guarantee effectiveness. Alternatives like "are required to comply" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are required to comply

Highlights the necessity of fulfilling a requirement.

are compelled to obey

Underscores the mandatory nature of obedience.

are obliged to adhere

Expresses a formal obligation to stick to something.

are expected to follow

Emphasizes the anticipated adherence to a set of guidelines or instructions.

are bound to uphold

Emphasizes a commitment to maintaining or defending something.

need to conform

Focuses on the need to align with established standards.

are duty-bound to respect

This variant places a greater emphasis on the moral dimension of respecting the obligation.

have to respect

Stresses the importance of showing regard for rules or laws.

are beholden to fulfill

Highlights the sense of being indebted or obligated to carry out certain responsibilities or commitments.

should observe

Suggests a recommendation to follow or keep something.

FAQs

How do I use "must abide" in a sentence?

Use "must abide" to indicate a strong obligation or necessity to follow rules, laws, or agreements. For example, "All participants "must abide" by the competition rules".

What are some alternatives to "must abide"?

Alternatives to "must abide" include "are required to comply", "need to conform", or "are obliged to adhere". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "must abide" formal or informal?

"Must abide" carries a tone of formal obligation and is suitable for professional, legal, and academic contexts. Consider less forceful alternatives like "should follow" for informal settings.

What's the difference between "must abide" and "should abide"?

"Must abide" indicates a mandatory obligation with potential consequences for non-compliance. "Should abide" suggests a recommendation or expectation, without necessarily implying strict enforcement.