must be ready

USAGE SUMMARY

"must be ready" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing that something must happen in the future with a sense of urgency. For example: We must be ready to give our presentation by 2 pm tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Democrats must be ready.

The New York Times

We must be ready.

The Guardian

"They must be ready for it".

The New York Times - Health

We must be ready, whatever happens.

The New York Times

He must be ready to use force.

The Economist

"We must be ready for them".

The New Yorker

Society must be ready for democratic mechanisms.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must be ready to sacrifice.

The New York Times

We must be ready for that too.

Yale University

Everyone must be ready to give 100 per cent.

Independent

America must be ready to face these dangers at once.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be ready", ensure the context clearly indicates what one should be ready for. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must be ready" in overly casual or informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound too formal or demanding in relaxed settings. Opt for phrases like "should be ready" or "need to be ready" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be ready" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a strong obligation or necessity for preparedness. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to emphasize the importance of being in a state of readiness for various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be ready" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the necessity of preparedness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. While versatile, it is best suited for scenarios demanding a clear and somewhat formal tone. Consider related phrases like "should be prepared" or "need to be ready" for less forceful alternatives. Remember to provide context to clarify what one should be ready for, maximizing the phrase's impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be prepared

Replaces "ready" with "prepared", offering a synonymous term to convey the same meaning.

have to be ready

Emphasizes the obligation using "have to" instead of "must", highlighting a requirement.

need to be ready

Substitutes "must" with "need to", indicating a necessity to be in a state of readiness.

should be prepared

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation while retaining the idea of being ready.

are expected to be ready

Highlights the expectation of readiness from an external source.

ought to be ready

Implies a moral obligation or expectation of being ready.

are required to be ready

Formally expresses the requirement for readiness, suitable for professional contexts.

are obliged to be ready

Stresses a formal obligation to be ready, often legally or contractually binding.

are compelled to be ready

Indicates a strong, almost forced, need to be ready.

should be in a state of readiness

Rephrases the concept to focus on the "state of readiness", emphasizing the condition.

FAQs

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

Use "must be ready" to express a strong need for preparedness, such as, "The team "must be ready" for the upcoming challenge" or "We "must be ready" to adapt to changing circumstances".

What's a less forceful alternative to "must be ready"?

If you want to soften the tone, consider using phrases like "should be prepared", "need to be ready", or "expected to be ready". These options convey a sense of preparedness without the strong obligation implied by "must".

Is there a difference between "must be ready" and "should be ready"?

"Must be ready" indicates a strong necessity or obligation, while "should be ready" suggests a recommendation or expectation. The choice depends on the level of urgency or importance you want to convey.

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

The phrase "must be ready" is often appropriate in professional, formal, or urgent situations where preparedness is crucial. Examples include emergency response, strategic planning, and critical tasks with tight deadlines.