must be given back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be given back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be returned or restored to its original owner or place. Example: "The borrowed book must be given back by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Sekhemka belongs to Egypt and if Northampton borough council does not want it then it must be given back.

The Guardian

If someone modifies one of those files, the improvement must be given back to the project as open-source code.

The New York Times

"All these rights must be given back to them, and this process is called normalization," he said.

The New York Times

Nearly $200 billion from funds raised in 2007 and 2008 alone needs to be spent in the next 12 months or it must be given back.

The New York Times

DealBook » DealBook Column: More Money Than They Know What To Do With | Andrew Ross Sorkin says that private equity funds need to spend nearly $200 billion on acquisitions in the next 12 months or it must be given back.

The New York Times

Absolutely not, for when the email arrives it reveals that any table booked before 10pm must be given back within two hours and that, while there is a bar, they don't guarantee you'll be allowed in to it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The current efforts of negotiators including Tony Blair, but particularly UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, must be given powerful backing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Too many speeches must be given and backs slapped to leave time for serious thought.In this section The end of harmony Murky truth Don't be modest Another Yalta conference Electric conductor ReprintsFrancis Fukuyama is a glorious exception to this rule.

The Economist

"If priority dispatch is removed, then renewables must be given a fall-back option of access and renumeration in the balancing markets to help stabilise the system, or clear levels of compensation in the event that curtailment is necessary," Joy said.

The Guardian

According to the legal order, signed by office director Monica Palacio, Massengale must be given her old job back, with her seniority and back pay restored to the day she was fired.

The Washington Post

Given her deal would not pass, as Brexit secretary he must be given the chance to go back to Brussels and improve the terms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be given back", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for returning the item and to whom it should be returned. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must be given back" in sentences where the actor is unclear. For instance, instead of saying "The book must be given back", specify "The student must give the book back to the library" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be given back" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb "must" indicates obligation, while the passive voice emphasizes the action being performed on the object rather than who is performing it. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be given back" is a grammatically sound and usable expression denoting the necessity of returning or restoring something. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and formal contexts, signaling its suitability for expressing obligations or requirements. Related alternatives include "needs to be returned" and "should be restored". When writing, ensure the context clarifies who is responsible for the return to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be returned

Indicates an obligation to return something.

needs to be returned

Focuses on the need for return without specifying the giver.

is required to be returned

Formal and emphatic version indicating return is mandatory.

should be restored

Emphasizes the act of bringing something back to its original condition or place.

is to be handed back

Suggests a physical act of returning something.

is to be restored

Emphasizes bringing something back to a former condition or place.

return is obligatory

Highlights the mandatory nature of returning something.

must be relinquished

Emphasizes the act of giving up or surrendering something.

needs to be surrendered

Highlights the necessity of yielding something.

is due for return

Focuses on a scheduled or expected return.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "must be given back" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "is required to be returned" or "is to be restored". These alternatives add a level of formality suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What does "must be given back" imply?

The phrase "must be given back" implies an obligation or requirement to return something to its original owner or place. It suggests that there is no choice in the matter; the return is necessary.

Is it grammatically correct to say "must be given back"?

Yes, the phrase "must be given back" is grammatically correct. The Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. It follows standard grammar rules.

What are some less formal alternatives to "must be given back"?

Less formal options include "needs to be returned", or "has to be returned". These alternatives are appropriate for everyday conversation and informal writing.