must be cut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be cut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be removed or eliminated, often in a context related to editing or reducing something. Example: "The budget for the project is too high, so some expenses must be cut to meet our financial goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Knots must be cut.

The New York Times

Everything must be cut.

The New York Times

Energy prices must be cut.

The Economist

They must be cut.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both parties agree subsidies must be cut.

The New York Times

Umbilical cords must be cut.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It must be cut, but how?

The Guardian - Opinion

Taxes on business and investment must be cut.

The Economist

Devaluation isn't an option, so wages must be cut.

The New York Times

Spending must be cut or taxpayers must pay more.

The Economist

The apple tree itself must be cut down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be cut" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be reduced or eliminated. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must be cut" without specifying what needs to be cut or reduced. For instance, instead of saying "expenses must be cut", specify "marketing expenses must be cut by 10%".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be cut" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or obligation. It's used to express that a reduction, removal, or elimination is required. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be cut" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey the necessity of reduction or elimination. Ludwig AI indicates it is both correct and usable in written English. It appears predominantly in News & Media contexts, although is found across other source types. To improve clarity, specify exactly what "must be cut". While neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives in certain settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

necessitates a cutback

Highlights the unavoidable need for reducing expenditures or resources due to specific circumstances.

has to be reduced

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity of diminishing something in size, amount, or intensity.

needs to be trimmed

Suggests a slight reduction or adjustment, often in a more gentle or less critical context.

should be decreased

Indicates a recommendation or suggestion for a reduction, carrying a slightly weaker sense of obligation.

is required to be lowered

Highlights a formal requirement for reduction, often in regulated or controlled environments.

ought to be minimized

Suggests that something should be reduced to the smallest possible amount, implying a proactive effort.

is essential to diminish

Stresses the importance and necessity of reducing something, indicating a critical need.

demands to be lessened

Implies a strong need or requirement for reduction, often in response to a pressing issue.

warrants a decrease

Suggests that a reduction is justified or appropriate based on certain conditions or evidence.

calls for curtailment

Emphasizes a public or formal appeal for reducing or limiting something, often in response to excess.

FAQs

How to use "must be cut" in a sentence?

Use "must be cut" to indicate something that needs to be reduced or eliminated. For example, "The budget "must be cut" to align with available resources."

What can I say instead of "must be cut"?

You can use alternatives like "needs to be trimmed", "has to be reduced", or "should be decreased" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "must be cut" in writing?

It's appropriate when indicating a necessary reduction or elimination of something, often due to constraints or requirements. Consider alternatives if a softer tone is desired.

Is "must be cut" formal or informal?

"Must be cut" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "is required to be lowered".