Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
must be responded
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"must be responded" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used as an imperative statement to imply an expected response to an action or situation. For example: "Questions about the project must be responded to within 24 hours."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
requires a response
must be addressed
requires attention
cannot be ignored
demands action
must be tackled
must be cut
must be identified
must be breached
must be expected
must be done
must be confused
must be scared
must be told
must be found
must be tightened
must be annihilated
must be relieved
must be shaken
must be paid
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
Public feedback must be responded to in real time.
News & Media
The use of those weapons must be responded to".
News & Media
It recognises that people's anxieties about crime are real and must be responded to.
News & Media
There are young people out there tonight asking those questions, and that spiritual challenge must be responded to.
News & Media
It is the moment of stasis between a deed that has been performed and must be responded to and the deed that will respond to it.
News & Media
The Metro-North Railroad, by contrast, was consistently fast and efficient in responding, despite the fact that its self-imposed standards are more stringent than its two sister agencies -- phone calls must be answered by workers within 20 seconds and letters must be responded to within eight business days.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
44 human-written examples
And the staff of the I.O.C. and also in all the other organizations must be responding to the decisions of the elected people.
News & Media
And at one point he was quoted as saying something like — and I'm not going to get this exactly right — Tea Party supporters who support Donald Trump must just be responding to his racism.
Academia
The audience, it must be said, responded enthusiastically to everything.
News & Media
"Must be Duarte," responded his companion, naming the president of El Salvador.
News & Media
In order for plants to survive they must be constantly responding to the environment around them.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "must be responded", ensure the subject receiving the response is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "All complaints must be responded to within 24 hours."
Common error
Avoid using "must be responded" in contexts where the actor responsible for responding is unclear. Clarify who is expected to respond to prevent inaction. An example would be: "The email must be responded to by the end of the day" instead of "The email must be responded".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "must be responded" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating an obligation or necessity for a response to be given. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from public feedback to chemical weapon use.
Frequent in
News & Media
42%
Wiki
18%
Science
15%
Less common in
Academia
12%
Encyclopedias
9%
Formal & Business
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "must be responded" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the necessity of a response. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While the register can range from neutral to formal, clarity is crucial in its application. To enhance writing, ensure the recipient is clearly defined. Frequency analysis reveals that the phrase is more common in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. Alternatives such as "requires attention" or "should be answered" may provide better clarity or emphasis depending on the situation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
must be addressed
States the need for something to be dealt with.
should be answered
Suggests a recommendation or expectation for a response.
calls for a reply
Emphasizes that a situation necessitates a formal response.
needs a response
Focuses on the need for a reply or reaction, rather than the obligation to provide one.
warrants a reaction
Implies that something justifies or deserves a response.
requires attention
Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing something.
cannot be ignored
Highlights the importance of acknowledging something and not overlooking it.
is imperative to address
Indicates a high level of urgency and necessity in dealing with something.
demands action
Emphasizes the necessity of taking immediate steps or measures.
begs a response
Suggests that something is so important that it needs a fast response.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "must be responded to" for better clarity?
For clearer phrasing, consider alternatives like "requires a response", "should be answered", or "demands a reply". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. For instance, you might say "This email "requires a response"" instead of "This email must be responded to".
Is "must be responded" grammatically correct?
Yes, "must be responded" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction indicating an obligation to provide a response. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and common usage.
What's the difference between "must be responded to" and "must respond"?
"Must be responded to" is passive, focusing on the recipient of the response, while "must respond" is active, emphasizing the actor who needs to provide the response. For example, "The query must be responded to by the support team" versus "The support team "must respond" to the query".
In what contexts is "must be responded" most appropriate?
"Must be responded" is suitable in formal and official contexts where there's a clear expectation of a reply, such as in customer service, legal matters, or formal communication. It's also frequent in News & Media when talking about different incidents that needs a resolution.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested