must be served

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be served" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required or necessary to be provided or delivered, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "All legal documents must be served to the defendant within 30 days of filing the complaint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Justice must be served".

The New York Times

All people must be served.

The New York Times

Our gratification must be served piping hot.

The New York Times

This sauce must be served chilled.

The Guardian - Books

Justice must be served, an act that necessarily involves Josh.

The New York Times - Books

Advance preparation: This soup must be served right away.

The New York Times

The spirit must be served at Peruvian diplomatic functions around the world.

The New York Times - Travel

Unless it is gazpacho or vichyssoise, soup must be served hot.

The New York Times

Their flesh is firm and lean, so it must be served very rare to stay tender.

The New York Times - Food

Most importantly, all the tea must be served in proper teapots with strainers.

Independent

That is part of the lure, for large audiences must be served.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be served" in legal contexts, ensure the action being described is clearly defined and legally enforceable. For example, "Legal documents "must be served" to the defendant in accordance with the law."

Common error

Avoid using "must be served" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Instead, opt for more natural phrasing like "needs to be" or "has to be".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be served" functions primarily as a modal passive construction. It combines the modal verb 'must' with the passive voice ('be served') to express an obligation or necessity for something to be done or provided to someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be served" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal passive construction signifying obligation or necessity. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and legal contexts, indicating a formal tone. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, be mindful of its formality and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. This ensures clear and appropriate communication across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be provided

Focuses on the necessity of supplying something, emphasizing the action of providing.

is required to be delivered

Highlights the mandatory aspect of delivering something, emphasizing legal or procedural requirements.

has to be administered

Emphasizes the necessity of administering something, often in a formal or official context.

is obliged to be presented

Focuses on the obligation to present something, highlighting a formal duty or requirement.

should be given

Suggests a recommendation or expectation that something be given, implying a degree of necessity.

is essential to offer

Highlights the essential nature of offering something, emphasizing its importance.

is bound to be rendered

Implies a sense of inevitability or obligation in rendering something, often in a contractual or legal context.

ought to be supplied

Suggests a moral or practical obligation to supply something, emphasizing a sense of duty.

is crucial to dispense

Emphasizes the crucial nature of dispensing something, highlighting its critical importance.

has to be furnished

Stresses the requirement for something to be furnished, often in a formal or official capacity.

FAQs

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

Use "must be served" to indicate a requirement or obligation. For instance, "Justice "must be served"" or "The subpoena "must be served" within 30 days."

What phrases are similar to "must be served"?

Similar phrases include "needs to be provided", "is required to be delivered", or "has to be administered", depending on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is "must be served" appropriate for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "must be served" is often more suitable for formal or legal contexts. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "needs to be" or "has to be".

What is the difference between "must be served" and "should be served"?

"Must be served" indicates a strict obligation or requirement, while "should be served" suggests a recommendation or best practice. The former implies a higher degree of necessity.