must be respected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be respected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is important and should be honored or acknowledged. Example: "In our organization, diversity must be respected to create an inclusive environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Decision must be respected.

The Washington Post

"It must be respected".

The New York Times

Judicial independence must be respected, he insists.

The Economist

And the law must be respected".

The New York Times

They must be respected in every country.

The New York Times

"[EU] rules must be respected.

The Guardian - Business

The text must be respected.

The Guardian - Film

But the country's laws must be respected.

The New York Times

He said court rulings must be respected.

The Guardian - Business

In sports, rules must be respected.

The New York Times

Forests must be respected as sensitive ecosystems.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance between "must be respected" and alternatives like "should be valued" or "needs to be acknowledged" to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the intended level of obligation and reverence.

Common error

While "must be respected" is grammatically correct, overuse in informal contexts can sound overly formal or preachy. Consider using more casual alternatives like "should be considered" or "ought to be valued" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be respected" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity. It indicates that something is required to be treated with consideration, honor, or adherence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be respected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal verb phrase that conveys a strong sense of obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and adjust the tone accordingly, opting for less formal alternatives in casual settings. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate the importance of upholding principles, rules, or rights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be honored

Replaces "must" with a weaker obligation, focusing on honoring something.

has to be upheld

Emphasizes the act of maintaining or defending a principle or decision.

ought to be valued

Suggests worth and importance, shifting the emphasis from obligation to appreciation.

cannot be ignored

Emphasizes the necessity of paying attention to something, indicating its significance.

deserves recognition

Highlights the importance of acknowledging merit or validity.

needs to be acknowledged

Highlights the necessity of recognizing or admitting something.

requires adherence

Focuses on the need to follow or comply with something, like rules or guidelines.

should be revered

Implies deep respect and admiration, suggesting something sacred or highly esteemed.

demands consideration

Focuses on the need for careful thought and attention.

warrants deference

Indicates that something is entitled to courteous regard or respect.

FAQs

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

Use "must be respected" to emphasize the importance of acknowledging, honoring, or adhering to something. For example: "The court's decision "must be respected", regardless of personal opinions."

What are some alternatives to "must be respected"?

You can use alternatives like "should be honored", "needs to be acknowledged", or "has to be upheld", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "must be respected" or "should be respected"?

"Must be respected" indicates a stronger obligation compared to "should be respected". Use "must" when there is a non-negotiable requirement for respect, and "should" when suggesting a recommendation or moral imperative. The first suggests the existence of an obligation while the second hints at something being morally correct.

Can "must be respected" be used in all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "must be respected" may sound too formal in casual settings. In informal conversations, consider alternatives like "should be considered" or "ought to be valued" to maintain a more conversational tone.