must be read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is necessary or required to be read, often in the context of instructions, warnings, or important information. Example: "This document contains critical information that must be read before proceeding with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The past must be read carefully.

The Economist

For that alone it must be read.

The Guardian - Books

The book must be read quickly.

The New York Times - Books

Films are fantasies which must be read.

The Guardian - Film

First, the resolution must be read as a whole.

The Guardian

All the devices must be read with a microscope.

The New York Times - Science

Desktop screens must be read sitting up in a fixed position.

The Economist

Data is stored on such media but must be read into main memory for processing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the report must be read with a pinch of salt.

The Economist

"But in footballing terms, this must be read a different way.

The Guardian - Sport

Fourth, related statutory provisions must be read as a cohesive whole.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be read" in instructions, ensure the context clearly explains why the reading is necessary. For example, "This manual must be read to understand the safety procedures."

Common error

Avoid using "must be read" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for alternatives like "should be read" or "needs to be read" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be read" functions as a passive construction, indicating a necessity or requirement for something to undergo the action of reading. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be read" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to emphasize the necessity of reading specific content. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "should be read" or "needs to be read" exist, "must be read" is appropriate when conveying a strong requirement. When employing this phrase, ensure its usage aligns with the context, avoiding overly formal tones in casual environments. This guide offers a detailed analysis of its usage, alternatives, and common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be read

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

needs to be read

Indicates a requirement for reading, similar to "must be read".

is required reading

Emphasizes the obligatory nature of reading the specified material.

essential reading

Highlights the importance of reading something, suggesting it's crucial.

is important to read

Focuses on the importance of the act of reading.

is imperative to read

Stresses the urgency and necessity of reading.

cannot be skipped

Implies that reading something is mandatory and skipping it is not an option.

is a must-read

Functions as an adjective, emphasizing that the material is highly recommended.

demands to be read

Conveys a sense of urgency and importance, as if the material itself is compelling the reader.

warrants reading

Suggests that something is worth reading because it offers value or significance.

FAQs

How to use "must be read" in a sentence?

Use "must be read" to indicate that something is essential or required to be read. For example, "The terms and conditions "must be read" carefully before signing."

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

You can use alternatives like "should be read", "needs to be read", or "is required reading" depending on the level of necessity you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "must to be read"?

No, "must to be read" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""must be read"". The modal verb "must" is always followed by the base form of the verb.

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

"Must be read" indicates a strict requirement or obligation, while "should be read" suggests a recommendation or advice. The former is stronger in tone and implies greater importance.