must be lifted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be lifted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is required to be raised or elevated, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The heavy box must be lifted by two people to avoid injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This siege, this unjust siege, must be lifted".

The Guardian

"The state of emergency must be lifted," Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

First, the veil of corruption in Afghanistan must be lifted.

The Guardian - Opinion

The emergency law must be lifted and Egyptians guaranteed freedom of speech and association.

The New York Times

The restrictions on foreign access to the camps housing them must be lifted at once.

The Economist

Finally, crucially, the sanctions imposed for the crimes of Saddam Hussein must be lifted.

The New York Times

The archaic ban on driving by women also must be lifted.

The New York Times

For example, to develop strength, progressively heavier objects must be lifted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The EU has huge economic influence over Israel, and it believes the blockade must be lifted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All the sanctions must be lifted if we are to have an agreement," he said.

The Guardian

These restrictions must be lifted so he can at last be free.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be lifted" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lifted, whether it's a physical object, a restriction, or a burden. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "must be lifted" in vague contexts where the reader cannot easily understand what specific thing or issue needs to be addressed. Always provide a clear subject for the lifting action to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be lifted" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation or necessity for something to be raised, removed, or elevated. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be lifted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a strong necessity for something to be raised, removed, or elevated. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, reflecting its use in discussions of policy, restrictions, and calls for action. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines what "must be lifted" to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "needs to be raised" or "should be removed" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Overall, "must be lifted" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying a sense of obligation or urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be raised

Changes the modal verb from "must" to "needs", emphasizing requirement rather than obligation.

has to be elevated

Substitutes "must" with "has to", stressing obligation, and "lifted" with "elevated", changing the nuance to physical height or status.

should be removed

Replaces "must be lifted" with a suggestion of removal, softening the sense of obligation.

is required to be elevated

Formal alternative using "required" instead of "must", implying a strict necessity.

is essential to raise

Shifts the focus to the essential nature of raising something, rather than the action of lifting.

it is imperative to elevate

Replaces "must be lifted" with a more formal and emphatic expression using "imperative".

it's crucial to alleviate

Focuses on alleviating a condition rather than lifting something physically or metaphorically.

demands to be uplifted

Emphasizes a strong need or expectation for something to be improved or elevated.

necessitates an elevation

Highlights the necessity of an elevation, often in a formal or technical context.

requires to be raised

Similar to "needs to be raised" but slightly more formal and direct in its requirement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must be lifted" indicates a necessity for something to be raised or removed. For example, "The embargo "must be lifted" to improve trade relations", or "The heavy crate "must be lifted" carefully to avoid injury".

What are some alternatives to saying "must be lifted"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "needs to be raised", "should be removed", or "has to be elevated" as alternatives to "must be lifted".

Is it grammatically correct to say "must be lifted"?

Yes, "must be lifted" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "must" in the passive voice, indicating a requirement or necessity for something to be lifted.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "must be lifted"?

The phrase "must be lifted" is appropriate in situations where there's a clear need or obligation for something to be physically raised, metaphorically removed, or elevated in status. Examples include lifting sanctions, restrictions, or burdens.