must be filed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be filed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is required to be submitted or organized in a specific manner, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "All tax returns must be filed by April 15th to avoid penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Complaints must be filed by April 1st.

The Economist

Claims must be filed within three years.

The New York Times - Sports

These forms must be filed according to the college's deadlines.

The New York Times

"Appeals must be filed by March 3," Ms. Stark said.

The New York Times

It is not clear when a challenge must be filed.

The New York Times

Claims must be filed with the court by Nov. 5.

The New York Times

The applications must be filed by mid-February.

The New York Times

The law says claims must be filed within two years of when they arise.

The New York Times

Under federal law, most charges must be filed within five years of the conduct.

The New York Times

Nomination papers must be filed by Nov. 22 for the Feb. 22 election.

The New York Times

They must be filed promptly, and chief executives and financial officers must vouch for their accuracy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be filed", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is responsible for filing and by what deadline. Providing specific dates or timeframes will enhance clarity.

Common error

A frequent mistake is not clarifying the exact deadline for when something "must be filed". Always specify the date and time, and mention the consequences of missing the deadline to avoid confusion and potential issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be filed" functions as a passive construction indicating obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, showing that actions or documents need to be officially submitted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be filed" serves as a clear indicator of a required action, typically within formal or legal contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, remember to specify deadlines and responsible parties for clarity. Alternatives include "is required to be submitted" or "needs to be submitted", depending on the desired level of formality. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be submitted

A more straightforward and less formal way of saying "must be filed".

is required to be submitted

Replaces "must be filed" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the mandatory nature of submission.

is required to be registered

Similar meaning, focuses on the registration aspect, often within legal or official contexts.

has to be lodged

Uses "lodged" as a synonym for filed, slightly less common but conveys the same meaning.

is obligatory to submit

Emphasizes the obligatory nature, suitable for formal or legal contexts.

is mandatory to register

Similar to "is required to be registered" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the mandatory aspect.

is compulsory to send

Highlights that sending something is compulsory.

is imperative to present

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of presenting something.

should be submitted

Conveys a recommendation that is close to a requirement.

ought to be lodged

Similar to "should be submitted", indicating a strong suggestion or expectation.

FAQs

What does "must be filed" mean?

The phrase "must be filed" indicates a requirement or obligation to submit a document, application, or claim by a specific date or according to certain regulations. It emphasizes the mandatory nature of the action.

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

You can use alternatives like "is required to be submitted", "needs to be submitted", or "has to be lodged" depending on the context.

Is "must be filed" formal or informal?

The phrase "must be filed" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's commonly used in legal, official, and professional contexts to indicate a mandatory requirement.

When should I use "must be filed" over other similar phrases?

Use "must be filed" when you want to clearly and firmly state a requirement for submission. If the context is more casual or less formal, phrases like "needs to be submitted" may be more appropriate. However, in legal or official contexts, "must be filed" provides the necessary emphasis.