must be finalised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be finalised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be completed or concluded, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "The project details must be finalised by the end of the week to ensure timely delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"This plan must be finalised and acted upon".

The Guardian

The government was told that parliamentary approval "must be finalised as a matter of urgency in the coming days".

The Economist

A backstop agreement to avoid a hard border in Ireland must be finalised by October, Leo Varadkar said yesterday.

The Times

The idea that he can rule out every possible transitional arrangement except for a yet to be defined bespoke arrangement is mad, given that the talks are stuck in the mud and we have just a year left before the final Brexit deal must be finalised.

The Guardian

3.04pm BST The latest from Italy Here's Paolo Bandini with the latest Serie A news: The great thing about transfer deadline day in Italy is that all deals must be finalised at a single hotel - the Atahotel - in Milan, with league officials on hand to approve the paperwork.

The Guardian - Sport

All Olympic golf teams - four-player squads - must be finalised by Monday.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is only a licence to proceed into transition, where questions of long-term alignment with the EU must then be finalised.

The Guardian - Opinion

The deal with the bank, which must still be finalised, would be the largest Justice Department settlement by far arising from the economic meltdown.

The Guardian - Business

The deal must now be finalised on a technical level and will then need official approval by Council and the EP's plenary.

European Parliament

Grants that have yet to be finalised must be set at levels that help councils, rather than making a difficult situation even worse". The local government finance settlement is due shortly and will be announced in a statement to Parliament.

BBC

Scarcely has the 40-year-old widower had time to join the local Sons of Temperance union and dash off "Annabel Lee" before he is all set to remarry.Before wedding arrangements can be finalised, however, Poe must travel from Richmond to his home in New York, with brief business stops in Baltimore and Philadelphia on the way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be finalised" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates who is responsible for the finalization and what the deadline is. This adds clarity and accountability to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "must be finalised" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs to be done" or "should be finished" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be finalised" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a requirement or obligation for something to reach its final or completed state. As shown in Ludwig, it's used to express the necessity of concluding a process or agreement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be finalised" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, particularly within formal and professional contexts. While Ludwig identifies it as such, it's more suited for scenarios where indicating a required completion or conclusion is important. Alternative phrases like "needs to be completed" or "should be settled" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Its frequency is uncommon, with its prominent use across News & Media, Scientific and Formal & Business texts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding responsibility and deadlines for optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be completed

Emphasizes the requirement for completion, swapping "finalised" for "completed".

has to be concluded

Focuses on the concluding aspect of the action, using "concluded" instead of "finalised".

should be settled

Suggests a resolution or agreement is needed, using "settled" in place of "finalised".

is required to be finished

Highlights the necessity of finishing, rephrasing the modal verb and verb tense.

demands completion

More forceful phrasing indicating a high level of necessity.

is imperatively resolved

Stresses the urgency and importance of resolving the matter.

absolutely must be done

An emphatic way to express that something is essential and without exception needs to be completed.

leaves no room for incompletion

Using negative phrasing to underscore the necessity of finalization.

is mandatorily completed

Indicates that completion is not optional but required by rule or law.

must reach its conclusion

Highlights the idea that the process must arrive at its natural or intended endpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "must be finalised" to indicate that something needs to reach its final stage or be completed. For example, "The contract "must be finalised" before the end of the week".

What are some alternatives to "must be finalised"?

Alternatives include "needs to be completed", "should be settled", or "has to be concluded". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "must be finalised" formal or informal?

"Must be finalised" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for business, legal, or official contexts. In informal situations, simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What's the difference between "must be finalised" and "should be finalised"?

"Must be finalised" indicates a stronger obligation or necessity compared to "should be finalised". "Must" implies a requirement, while "should" suggests a recommendation or expectation.