must be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of experiencing or observing something firsthand. Example: "This artwork is truly magnificent; it must be seen to be appreciated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Democracy must be seen to be done.

The Economist

"This must be seen as a warning.

BBC

They must be seen live.

The New York Times - Travel

Justice must be seen to be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our leaders must be seen jogging, cycling, skiing.

Independent

People with urgent needs must be seen within 48 hours.

The New York Times - Health

His rant must be seen to be fully appreciated.

The New York Times

Too bad they must be seen in such tawdry productions.

The New York Times - Arts

The last must be seen to be believed.

The New Yorker

The problem is these things must be seen in unison.

The New York Times

Mr Sharon must be seen to be tough on terrorism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must be seen" to emphasize the critical importance of observing something directly to fully understand or appreciate it. For example, "The evidence must be seen to fully grasp the severity of the situation."

Common error

Avoid using "must be seen" excessively in passive voice constructions where an active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The changes must be seen by the public", consider "The public must see the changes" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be seen" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or strong recommendation. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical structure is correct, and it effectively emphasizes the importance of visual observation or experience. Examples include situations where direct observation is essential for understanding or appreciation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be seen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that underscores the necessity of visual experience. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is especially prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, functioning to highlight the importance of direct observation for comprehension or appreciation. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact. When seeking alternatives, consider "needs to be witnessed" or "should be observed" to tailor the emphasis to your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demands to be seen

Emphasizes an inherent quality that compels observation.

needs to be witnessed

Focuses on the act of witnessing as crucial, implying importance through personal observation.

requires visual inspection

Highlights the necessity of a closer examination, emphasizing the 'visual' component.

should be observed

Suggests a recommendation for observation, highlighting the value of seeing something.

calls for observation

Emphasizes that observation is necessary, usually for investigative purposes.

has to be viewed

Emphasizes the obligation to view something, indicating its significance.

cannot be missed

Highlights the uniqueness of something that should be experienced, including the visual aspect.

ought to be perceived

Highlights the importance of perception, suggesting a deeper understanding through observation.

is worth seeing

Highlights an explicit recommendation for seeing something.

warrants attention

Shifts the focus to deserving attention, indirectly implying the need to see it.

FAQs

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

Use "must be seen" to emphasize the necessity of experiencing something visually for full understanding or appreciation. For example, "The exhibit "must be seen to be believed"."

What are some alternatives to saying "must be seen"?

Alternatives include "needs to be witnessed", "should be observed", or "has to be viewed", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

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

"Must be seen" implies a higher degree of necessity or importance than "should be seen". "Must" suggests an obligation, while "should" offers a recommendation.

When is it appropriate to use "must be seen" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when emphasizing the critical importance of visual evidence or direct observation. Ensure the context warrants such strong emphasis. For example, "The data "must be scrutinized" in order to identify anomalies."