must be altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be altered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be changed or modified in order to meet certain requirements or standards. Example: "The design of the product must be altered to comply with safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guard procedures, for example, must be altered.

The New York Times

"But that can — and must — be altered".

The New York Times

Either there must be a really large increase in taxation for healthcare or the system must be altered.

The Guardian

To reproduce contrast and colorfulness comparable to the original scene, the characteristics of the image must be altered.

Digital Video and HDTV

Instead, the approach must be altered to fit the delicate and distinctive DNA makeup of each individual IT infrastructure.

Network Security

This observation suggests that factors in BF2's bactericidal mechanism other than translocation must be altered by these mutations.

Peptides

Nature provides an extensive collection of enzymes, but often these must be altered to perform desired functions under required conditions.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

Mental set switching is a complex executive function that is required when the focus of attention must be altered in order to adapt to a frequently-changing environment.

NeuroImage

New technologies will demand multispecialty collaboration, so current training programs must be altered if we are to meet the demands in education for future aortic interventions.

Seminars in Vascular Surgery

Existing and future American laws must be altered to conform with these terms, or trade sanctions can be imposed against American exports.

The New York Times

In order to reproduce any desired viscosity law μ=μ(T) the collision rate must be altered by making the total collision cross-section a function of the local kinetic temperature.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be altered", ensure the context clearly explains why the alteration is necessary. Providing specific reasons enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

While "must be altered" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to an active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be altered" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating a necessity or obligation for something to undergo change or modification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be altered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating a requirement for change or modification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It finds its strongest presence in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in stating the reasons for alteration and consider active voice alternatives for stronger writing. While acceptable across diverse sources, remember to evaluate your audience and consider using terms like "needs to be changed" in informal settings. Its high frequency and authoritative source presence validate its reliable usage in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be changed

Replaces "must be" with "needs to be", indicating necessity in a less formal way.

has to be modified

Substitutes "must be altered" with "has to be modified", implying an obligation to change something.

should be adjusted

Replaces "must be altered" with "should be adjusted", suggesting a recommendation for change.

requires modification

Transforms the phrase into a noun-based structure, emphasizing the necessity of modification.

demands revision

Implies a strong need for alteration, particularly in the context of documents or plans.

necessitates a change

Highlights the inevitability of a change, making it a required action.

is imperative to revise

Stresses the critical importance of making revisions.

is essential to modify

Underscores the fundamental need for modification.

calls for adjustment

Suggests a need for adaptation or realignment.

warrants transformation

Implies that the current state justifies a complete overhaul.

FAQs

How can I use "must be altered" in a sentence?

Use "must be altered" to indicate a requirement for change or modification. For instance, "The design "must be altered" to meet safety standards."

What are some alternatives to saying "must be altered"?

You can use alternatives such as "needs to be changed", "has to be modified", or "should be adjusted" depending on the degree of necessity and formality you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "must be altered" and "should be altered"?

"Must be altered" implies a stronger requirement for change, whereas "should be altered" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. The choice depends on the context and the level of obligation.

Can "must be altered" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While grammatically correct in both, "must be altered" is more commonly found in formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "needs to be fixed" or "has to change".