must be obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is necessary to acquire or secure in order to achieve a certain outcome. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, all necessary permits must be obtained to ensure compliance with local regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That permission must be obtained in writing.

The New York Times

Instead, all visas must be obtained from Yemeni embassies overseas.

The New York Times

It was agreed that the peace process must be obtained".

The New York Times

What can't be captured on-site must be obtained later.

The New Yorker

Special licenses must be obtained for the smallest endeavors.

The New York Times

This letter must be obtained prior to travel to Libya".

The New York Times

Money for retirement must be obtained from some source.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The date upon its flank is long expired, And a new surety must be obtained.

The New Yorker

2. Before doing something, the authorisation of the warden must be obtained.

The Guardian - Film

The court said that consent, which need not be verbal, must be obtained for intercourse.

The New Yorker

For the administration's November peace conference to succeed, tangible results must be obtained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be obtained", clearly state who is responsible for obtaining the item or permission to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Permission must be obtained", specify "Permission must be obtained from the supervisor".

Common error

While "must be obtained" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider using active voice where appropriate. For example, instead of "Approval must be obtained by the committee", try "The committee must approve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be obtained" functions as a passive construction indicating necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights that a certain action or item is required to achieve a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be obtained" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression indicating a strong requirement or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal contexts to convey that something is essential or mandatory. When writing, it's important to be clear about who needs to obtain what and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Alternatives like "is required" or "needs to be acquired" can provide variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required

Focuses on the mandatory aspect, highlighting that something is a necessity.

is necessary

Emphasizes the need for something, underscoring its importance.

needs to be acquired

Highlights the action of acquiring, suggesting a process to obtain something.

has to be secured

Stresses the effort to secure something, implying a need for protection or guarantee.

should be acquired

Indicates a recommendation or advice to acquire something, softer than 'must'.

is essential

Highlights the crucial nature of something, indicating its indispensability.

is compulsory

Focuses on the mandatory aspect, suggesting a legal or formal requirement.

is mandatory

Highlights the obligatory nature of something, suggesting a formal regulation.

is imperative

Emphasizes the urgent need for something, indicating its critical importance.

is obligatory

Focuses on the binding nature of something, suggesting a duty or obligation.

FAQs

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

Use "must be obtained" to indicate a requirement or necessity. For example, "A visa "must be obtained" before traveling to certain countries".

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

You can use alternatives like "is required", "is necessary", or "needs to be acquired" depending on the context. These alternatives maintain the sense of obligation or necessity.

Which is correct, "must be obtained" or "needs to be obtained"?

Both "must be obtained" and "needs to be obtained" are grammatically correct, but "must be obtained" carries a stronger sense of obligation or requirement, while "needs to be obtained" is slightly less forceful. The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

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

"Must be obtained" indicates a strict requirement or obligation, whereas "should be obtained" suggests a recommendation or advice. "Should be obtained" implies that it is beneficial or advisable to obtain something, but not strictly mandatory.