must be challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be challenged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating that something should be questioned or disputed, often in the context of ideas, beliefs, or practices that may be considered flawed or unjust. Example: "The status quo must be challenged if we want to achieve real progress in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it must be challenged.

Independent

They must be challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every convention must be challenged.

The Guardian - Music

And, thus, must be challenged everywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

This must be challenged with urgency.

The Guardian

The A's must be challenged and disproportionately rewarded.

The New Yorker

Some of our outdated ideological ideas must be challenged.

The New York Times

Islamism must be challenged by an enlightenment, not a reformation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot become the norm and must be challenged.

The Guardian

Today's board members must be challenged on how they might act under similar circumstances.

The New York Times

These people are showing that the role of government as corporate ally must be challenged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must be challenged" when you want to emphasize the importance of questioning assumptions, norms, or practices. This phrase is effective in persuasive writing and arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "must be challenged" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "should be questioned" or "needs to be looked at" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be challenged" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that something requires scrutiny or opposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrasing is grammatically correct and widely utilized across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be challenged" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to express the necessity of questioning, opposing, or critically examining something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Primarily found in news, media, and scientific contexts, this phrase conveys a sense of urgency and importance. While appropriate for formal and professional settings, it's less suitable for casual conversation. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "needs to be questioned" or "should be contested" to maintain the intended nuance. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maximize its impact and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be questioned

Focuses on the necessity of inquiry and scrutiny.

should be contested

Emphasizes the act of disputing or opposing something.

ought to be opposed

Highlights the moral imperative to resist or be against something.

has to be resisted

Focuses on actively fighting against or preventing something.

requires confrontation

Stresses the need for a direct and often challenging encounter.

demands scrutiny

Indicates that something requires close and critical examination.

warrants objection

Suggests that there are sufficient grounds for expressing disapproval.

merits defiance

Implies that something deserves to be openly disobeyed or resisted.

calls for resistance

Emphasizes the need for collective opposition or defiance.

should be scrutinized

Focuses on the necessity of detailed and critical inspection.

FAQs

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

Use "must be challenged" to express the necessity of questioning or opposing something. For example, "Outdated policies "must be challenged" to promote innovation."

What are some alternatives to "must be challenged"?

Alternatives include "needs to be questioned", "should be contested", or "ought to be opposed", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "must be challenged" or "should be challenged"?

"Must be challenged" indicates a stronger imperative than "should be challenged". Use "must" when the need for questioning or opposition is critical, and "should" when it is advisable but not absolutely necessary.

When is it inappropriate to use "must be challenged"?

Avoid using "must be challenged" in very informal contexts or when a softer approach is needed. In such cases, phrases like "needs to be reviewed" or "should be examined" might be more suitable.