must be repaired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be repaired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires repair or maintenance. Example: "The broken machinery must be repaired before we can resume production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The disk must be repaired, the computer says, but the disk cannot be repaired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before being re-let, homes must be repaired and their gas and electrics checked.

The Guardian

It endangers our tradition of entrepreneurship, and it must be repaired — soon.

The New York Times

The emissions test, required every two years, costs $20; cars that fail must be repaired and tested again.

The New York Times

Third, the terrible damage that his government has done to the climate economy in the UK must be repaired.

The Guardian - Opinion

The govt., in which public confidence has rarely been lower, must be repaired & the economy needs restructuring.

The New Yorker

The girl explained that it was a company rule: all leaks must be repaired within two hours after being reported.

The New Yorker

On average, the segments of a steel track must be repaired or replaced after just 400km (250 miles) of use.

The Economist

It is in Pennsylvania that New York City's broken carriages must be repaired, usually by the experienced, knowledgeable mechanics from the surrounding Amish and Mennonite communities.

The New York Times

For England to stay in this series and defeat Australia for the fourth consecutive time at home the heavy damage inflicted at Lord's must be repaired immediately.

Independent

In the longer term, the huge damage to infrastructure must be repaired, from schools and hospitals to irrigation canals, communications and transport links.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be repaired", ensure the context clearly identifies what needs to be repaired and why it's important. For instance, "The bridge must be repaired before it collapses."

Common error

While "must be repaired" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "needs fixing" or "should be fixed" may be more appropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be repaired" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating an obligation or necessity for something to undergo repair. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be repaired" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the necessity of fixing or restoring something. As noted by Ludwig, it's considered correct and appropriate in written English across diverse contexts, ranging from news articles and scientific publications to encyclopedia entries. While its formality can vary, it leans toward a neutral tone suitable for most professional communication. Consider using alternatives like "needs to be fixed" for more casual settings, and always ensure clarity in specifying what requires repair and why it's essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be fixed

Uses a more informal verb, "fixed", instead of "repaired".

requires mending

Employs "mending", suggesting a more delicate or careful repair.

is in need of repair

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the state of disrepair.

has to be restored

Indicates a return to a previous, better condition.

should be rectified

Implies a more formal and precise correction.

demands immediate repair

Stresses the urgency of the required repair.

necessitates fixing

Uses a more formal term, "necessitates", to highlight the requirement.

is essential to mend

Highlights the essential nature of the repair work.

must undergo restoration

Emphasizes a comprehensive process of returning something to its original condition.

should be corrected

Suggests a more general act of fixing an error or fault.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must be repaired" indicates a mandatory requirement for fixing something. For example, "The faulty wiring /s/must+be+repaired/ to prevent a fire."

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

You can use alternatives like "needs to be fixed", "requires mending", or "should be rectified depending on the context.

Which is correct, "must be repaired" or "needs repaired"?

"Must be repaired" is the grammatically correct and more formal option. "Needs repaired" is not standard English.

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

"Must be repaired" indicates a necessity or obligation, whereas "should be repaired" suggests a recommendation or advisability. The former implies greater urgency or importance.