must be done

USAGE SUMMARY

"must be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express obligation or necessity. Example: All of the dishes need to be washed and put away; it must be done before bedtime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something must be done.

The New York Times

Justice must be done".

The New York Times

It must be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

Therefore Y must be done.

The Economist

And something must be done?

The New York Times

This must be done today".

The New York Times

Something must be done soon.

The New Yorker

Still, something must be done.

The New Yorker

It must be done eventually.

The Economist

But it must be done.

The Economist

Homework must be done.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone when using "must be done"; it can sound authoritative. In more collaborative contexts, consider softer alternatives like "needs to be done" or "is required".

Common error

Avoid using "must be done" in overly casual or informal situations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Phrases like "needs to be done" or "should be done" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be done" functions primarily as a modal auxiliary phrase indicating obligation or necessity. It signifies that a certain action or task is required or essential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing duty or compulsion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be done" is a versatile construction used to express obligation or necessity across a variety of contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business settings, care should be taken to adjust the tone for informal situations. Alternatives such as "needs to be completed" or "is required" can offer softer alternatives. With its frequent use and clear purpose, understanding the nuances of "must be done" will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required

Highlights a requirement or mandate.

is essential

Indicates the critical importance of something.

needs to be completed

Emphasizes the necessity of finishing a task.

is a must

Indicates something indispensable or highly recommended.

is imperative

Stresses the urgency and necessity of an action.

has to be executed

Focuses on the performance and completion of an action.

is obligatory

Highlights a mandatory action.

should be performed

Suggests a recommended or expected action.

demands completion

Focuses on the requirement to finalize something.

is unavoidable

Highlights something that cannot be prevented or evaded.

FAQs

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

Use "must be done" to express that something is obligatory or necessary. For instance, "The report must be done by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "must be done"?

Alternatives include "needs to be completed", "is required", or "has to be executed", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "must be done" or "needs to be done"?

"Must be done" conveys a stronger sense of obligation, while "needs to be done" is often perceived as slightly softer and more collaborative.

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

Avoid using "must be done" in very informal settings or when a less authoritative tone is desired. Using alternatives can help maintain a more relaxed atmosphere.