must be observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'must be observed' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a requirement that something must be taken into account, such as a rule, contractual obligation, or law. For example: "The safety protocols laid out in the company's manual must be observed at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What requirements must be observed?

Harvard Business Review

Deadlines dates must be observed.

Columbia University

Still, certain standards must be observed.

The New York Times

Certain standards must be observed in restaurants and theaters.

The New York Times

Each room capacity must be observed when planning events.

Yale University

In order to declare jihad, Fadl writes, certain requirements must be observed.

The New Yorker

The former must be observed for 10 years and the latter for 15.

The Washington Post

First, it must be observed that sanctity and canonization are not synonymous terms.

Britannica

Therefore, their spirit must be observed as well as their letter.

Harvard University

This view would convert standing into a requirement that must be observed only when satisfied.

Cornell University

In other words, neither "community leaders" nor multicultural bureaucrats could talk of "the Muslim community" whose taboos must be observed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be observed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being observed and why it is important. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "must be observed". Active voice often makes writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The regulations must be observed by all employees", try "All employees must observe the regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be observed" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing that something is required or essential to consider, note, or comply with. It is frequently used to express the importance of adhering to rules, regulations, or specific standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be observed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a requirement or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, to emphasize the importance of adhering to specific rules, protocols, or considerations. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternatives like "should be considered" or "needs to be taken into account" can offer more direct or nuanced ways of expressing similar meanings. The consistent and authoritative usage of "must be observed" underscores its importance in ensuring clarity and compliance in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be taken into consideration

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes consideration as a whole.

it is essential to observe

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating the importance of observing.

has to be complied with

Focuses on compliance with rules or regulations.

has to be noted

Replaces "observed" with "noted", emphasizing acknowledgement rather than adherence.

it is important to note

Focuses on highlighting something important for acknowledgment.

should be considered

Softens the obligation, suggesting a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

must be heeded

Focuses on paying attention to warnings or advice.

it is necessary to consider

Highlights the necessity of giving something thought.

needs to be taken into account

Highlights the importance of considering something when making a decision.

should be borne in mind

Emphasizes remembering or keeping something in mind.

FAQs

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

Use "must be observed" to indicate a necessary action or requirement. For example, "Safety protocols "must be observed" at all times."

What are some alternatives to "must be observed"?

Alternatives include "should be considered", "needs to be taken into account", or "must be complied with", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "must be observed"?

While "must be observed" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often create a stronger and more direct statement. For example, instead of "The rules must be observed by all", consider "All must observe the rules".

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

"Must be observed" indicates a strict requirement, while "should be observed" suggests a recommendation or guideline. The choice depends on the level of obligation you want to convey.