must be confronted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be confronted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues, challenges, or problems that require direct attention or action. Example: "The underlying issues in our society must be confronted if we want to achieve real change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The danger of Russia must be confronted.

The Economist

Another factor must be confronted.

The New York Times - Arts

"That risk, that threat, must be confronted.

The Guardian

The Taliban must be confronted head-on.

The New York Times

More immediately, Everton must be confronted.

The Guardian - Sport

These are arguments that must be confronted.

The Guardian - Business

Xenophobic and racist tendencies must be confronted, Mr. Andor said.

The New York Times

Human evil must be confronted, he said, not merely contained.

The New York Times

But for the romance to flourish, the trauma of war must be confronted and conjured away.

The New York Times

To ensure accountability and prevent future human rights abuses, past crimes must be confronted.

The New York Times

In a world with many dangers, this menace must be confronted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be confronted", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being confronted and why it requires direct action. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "must be confronted" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider active constructions where appropriate to add directness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be confronted" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a strong necessity or obligation for something to be addressed or dealt with. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered correct and widely usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be confronted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying the urgent need to address a problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing that it's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While highly useful, writers should also be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternatives like "must be addressed" or "must be tackled" offer subtle shifts in emphasis while retaining a similar meaning. The authoritative sources and consistent usage underscore its reliability and importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be addressed

Focuses on dealing with an issue directly.

must be tackled

Emphasizes a proactive approach to solving a problem.

must be faced

Highlights the need to acknowledge and not avoid a challenge.

must be challenged

Suggests a need to question or contest something.

must be resolved

Indicates the need for a solution or settlement.

must be handled

Focuses on managing or dealing with a situation.

must be corrected

Highlights the need to rectify something that is wrong.

must be rectified

Similar to corrected, but often used in more formal contexts.

must be stopped

Emphasizes the need to prevent something from continuing.

must be suppressed

Suggests forcefully preventing something from manifesting or spreading.

FAQs

How do I use "must be confronted" in a sentence?

Use "must be confronted" to indicate that a problem, issue, or challenge requires direct and decisive action. For example, "The issue of climate change "must be confronted" with bold solutions."

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

You can use alternatives like "must be addressed", "must be tackled", or "must be faced" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "must confront" instead of "must be confronted"?

It depends on the context. "Must confront" is in the active voice and emphasizes who needs to take action. "Must be confronted" is in the passive voice and emphasizes the problem itself. Choose the construction that best fits your intended focus.

What does it mean when something "must be confronted head-on"?

The phrase "must be confronted head-on" emphasizes the need to address something directly and without delay or avoidance. It suggests a proactive and decisive approach to handling a difficult situation.