must be shown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be shown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required to be displayed or demonstrated. Example: "All evidence must be shown to the jury during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attention must be shown.

The New York Times

The affirmative must be shown.

Cornell University

Conceptualism occurred, conceptualism must be shown.

The Guardian

It must be shown to be arbitrary.

Cornell University

The video is therefore vital evidence and must be shown.

The Guardian

This page must be shown to claim the discount.

The Guardian

These elements must be shown "with specificity". Id. at 756.

The Washington Post

In Spain too, good cause must be shown.

Columbia University

A receipt and FTF must be shown to verify.

Columbia University

Corresponding results must be shown to designers online.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Finally, crime must be shown to increase levels of disorder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be shown", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be demonstrated or displayed. Provide sufficient detail to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must be shown" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs to be seen" or "should be displayed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be shown" functions primarily as a modal passive construction. The modal verb 'must' indicates obligation or necessity, while 'be shown' signifies the action of displaying or demonstrating something. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in contexts where demonstration or presentation is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be shown" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal passive construction indicating a requirement for demonstration or display. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "needs to be displayed" or "should be presented" depending on the desired tone and emphasis. The contexts highlight the importance of this expression in scenarios that include formal and informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be demonstrated

Emphasizes the necessity of demonstrating something to prove its validity.

has to be displayed

Focuses on the requirement of displaying something for visibility or verification.

should be presented

Suggests a recommendation or obligation to present something for consideration.

is required to be exhibited

Highlights the formal requirement for something to be exhibited or displayed.

must be proven

Focuses specifically on the need for something to be proven or validated.

needs to be evidenced

Emphasizes the necessity of providing evidence to support a claim or statement.

has to be validated

Highlights the need to confirm or validate something through verification.

should be illustrated

Suggests that something needs to be clarified or explained with examples.

is required to be unveiled

Emphasizes the formal need to reveal or disclose something that was previously hidden.

must be substantiated

Focuses on the need for something to be supported with evidence or facts.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must be shown" indicates a requirement for something to be demonstrated or displayed. For example, "Proof of purchase "must be shown" to receive a refund."

What's a less formal alternative to "must be shown"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, you could use phrases like "needs to be displayed", "has to be presented", or "should be shown depending on the context."

Is there a difference between "must be shown" and "must be demonstrated"?

While similar, "must be shown" often implies a visual display or presentation, whereas "must be demonstrated" suggests a need for proof or validation through action or evidence.

Which is correct, "must be shown" or "needs to show"?

"Must be shown" is generally used in passive constructions, indicating something requires demonstration. "Needs to show" is an active construction, indicating someone needs to demonstrate something. The choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.