must be opened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be opened" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in instructions or when giving advice. For example, "All windows and doors must be opened to allow for airflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

– In absence of separate emergency routes, fences and cordons must be opened to allow an emergency vehicle to pass (see Table 3).6 This creates openings for a further inflow of people.

EPJ Data Science

Envelopes must be opened.

The New Yorker

The trench must be opened, dug and closed each night.

The New York Times

"This abscess must be opened and dried out so that it can heal".

The New York Times

An artificial airway must be opened, preferably by inserting a tube down the windpipe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No polling center must be opened where its security is not ensured".

The New York Times

(Sometimes the intestine must be opened surgically to remove a large blockage and help restore digestion).

The New Yorker

Every door that must be opened, every corner that must be turned could lead to danger.

The New York Times - Books

So the debate must be opened and a new accord obtained with Britain".

The Guardian

Under the law, such proposed rules changes must be opened for public comment before they take effect.

The New York Times

That debate must be opened in Britain and the recent change of government provides a rare opportunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be opened" in instructions, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being opened and why. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "must be opened" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "needs to be opened" or "should be opened" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be opened" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates that an action (opening) is obligatory or necessary. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be opened" is a grammatically sound and frequently used modal passive construction. According to Ludwig, it expresses a strong sense of necessity or obligation. It appears most often in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, exhibiting a neutral register. While correct, consider using less formal alternatives like "should be opened" or "needs to be opened" in casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be opened

Indicates an obligation or requirement for something to be opened.

needs to be opened

Emphasizes the necessity of opening something, similar to "must be opened".

is required to be opened

Formally expresses the requirement for something to be opened.

should be opened

Replaces "must" with "should", indicating a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

is essential to open

Emphasizes the essential nature of opening something.

is mandatory to open

Emphasizes that it is mandatory to open something.

is necessary to open

Highlights the necessity of performing the action of opening.

is imperative to open

Highlights the urgent need to open something.

it is obligatory to open

Highlights the obligatory nature of opening something.

ought to be opened

Similar to "should be opened", suggesting a moral or practical obligation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must be opened" is used to indicate an obligation or necessity. For example, "The valve "must be opened" to release the pressure".

What is a less formal alternative to "must be opened"?

Alternatives include "should be opened", "needs to be opened", or "has to be opened", depending on the level of formality required.

Which is correct, "must be opened" or "has to be open"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but have slightly different meanings. "Must be opened" implies an external obligation or rule, while "has to be open" suggests a necessity for it to function correctly. It can be rephrased "needs to be open".

In what contexts is "must be opened" most appropriate?

The phrase "must be opened" is most appropriate in formal instructions, legal documents, or when expressing a strict requirement. Ludwig can give you real examples of similar usages.