must be played

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be played" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required or necessary to be performed, often in the context of games, music, or activities. Example: "In order to win the tournament, this strategy must be played at the right moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the way these games must be played.

The New York Times - Sports

Matches must be played on Sundays, to accommodate Italy's strange gambling rules.

The Economist

"It is perfection and must be played to perfection" (Menuhin on the Khevenhuller).

The Guardian - Books

The game must be played because it is part of the National Football League schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

Distorted and glorious, this Baauer remix must be played at full volume (11).

The Guardian - Music

"We'd set ourselves these rules, like 'only staccato rhythms', and 'guitars must be played really high'.

The Guardian - Music

A character like no other must be played by an actor like no other.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A game must be played while the rest of us debate what it means.

The Guardian - Sport

"The game must be played in the same way no matter where you are in the world," he said.

The New York Times

The governing body of the sport declared that the final two matches of the group stage must be played simultaneously.

The New Yorker

Thus, if unable to follow suit to a nontrump lead, a trump must be played if possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that while "must" implies obligation, in some contexts alternatives like "should be played" or "needs to be played" might be more appropriate to convey a suggestion rather than a strict requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "must be played" in overly casual conversations where a less formal expression would suffice. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly prescriptive. Consider alternatives like "has to be played" or "needs to be played" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be played" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating an obligation or necessity for something to be performed. Ludwig shows that this construction is frequently used in contexts where rules, requirements, or pre-determined actions are being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be played" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal passive construction indicating a requirement or obligation. As Ludwig confirms, it appears in various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and wikis. While generally neutral in tone, it tends toward professional depending on the specific situation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in conveying the mandatory nature of the action and consider alternatives like "has to be played" or "needs to be played" for less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be played

Replaces "must" with "has to", a more common and slightly less formal expression of obligation.

needs to be played

Substitutes "must" with "needs to", indicating a requirement or necessity.

is required to be played

Emphasizes the requirement using a more formal and explicit structure.

should be played

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation to a recommendation.

is essential to play

Shifts the focus to the act of playing, highlighting its essential nature.

is necessary to play

Similar to "is essential to play", but with a slightly different emphasis on necessity.

it is imperative to play

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of playing.

cannot be avoided

Focuses on the lack of alternatives to playing.

is mandatory to play

Highlights the compulsory nature of playing.

is obligatory to play

Stresses the obligatory nature of playing, using a more formal term.

FAQs

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

You can use "must be played" to indicate a requirement or obligation, such as "The final round "must be played" regardless of the weather" or "Certain songs "must be played" at a Romani wedding".

What are some alternatives to "must be played"?

Alternatives include "has to be played", "needs to be played", or "is required to be played" depending on the level of formality and emphasis you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "must be played" or "has to be played"?

Both "must be played" and "has to be played" are grammatically correct. "Must be played" is slightly more formal, while "has to be played" is more common in everyday language.

When is it appropriate to use "must be played" over other similar phrases?

"Must be played" is appropriate when emphasizing a strong obligation or necessity, especially in formal contexts or when outlining strict rules. In less formal situations, consider alternatives like "should be played" or "needs to be played".