must be spelled out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be spelled out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be clearly articulated or explained in detail. Example: "In formal writing, abbreviations must be spelled out on first use to ensure clarity for the reader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The partial reversal of former president Barack Obama's opening to Cuba still must be spelled out by Treasury and Commerce department regulations not yet written.

The Washington Post

For the dance world, divided on the ramifications of the ruling, it reinforced the understanding driven home by the long Graham fight that ownership must be spelled out contractually.

The New York Times - Arts

"The negative consequences of unity, including what could be considerable social cutbacks for citizens in East and West Germany, must be spelled out clearly," said Neues Deutschland, the Communist Party daily in East Berlin.

The New York Times

This must be spelled out in the contract.

Forbes

The interdependence or interactions among key factors must be spelled out, and well understood.

Forbes

These codes of ethics must be spelled out and must be made enforceable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"The truth must be spelt out," he said, "Saddam has nothing to do with the resistance.

The Guardian

The relationships between saving money, expanding primary care and reforming acute care must be spelt out.

The Guardian

The core benefits must be spelt out - and no more than three key points should be emphasized again and again.

Forbes

Why must every motivation be spelled out?

The Guardian - Film

What showing the purchasers must make cannot be spelled out with specificity in view of the sparsity of the present record.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation, use "must be spelled out" to highlight critical steps or configurations that require precise execution.

Common error

Avoid using "must be spelled out" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or condescending. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs to be explained" or "should be clarified" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be spelled out" functions as a directive, indicating that something requires explicit and detailed explanation. It is often used to emphasize the importance of clarity, especially in situations where ambiguity could lead to misunderstanding or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be spelled out" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes the need for clarity and detailed explanation. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, but it's particularly prevalent in news, academic, and formal business settings. While highly effective for ensuring precision, it may come across as overly formal in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. In professional writing, ensure that when you indicate something "must be spelled out", the details follow to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be clarified

Focuses on making something clearer, reducing ambiguity.

should be fully explained

Emphasizes a complete and thorough explanation.

must be clearly defined

Highlights the importance of precise definitions.

has to be explicitly stated

Stresses direct and unambiguous communication.

should be articulated precisely

Emphasizes the careful and detailed expression of an idea.

requires detailed specification

Focuses on the need for precise and thorough specifications.

demands clear articulation

Highlights the necessity of clear and expressive communication.

calls for explicit details

Emphasizes the need for specific and unambiguous information.

necessitates thorough explanation

Indicates a need for a comprehensive and detailed explanation.

warrants explicit clarification

Suggests that clarification is not only helpful but justified.

FAQs

What does "must be spelled out" mean?

The phrase "must be spelled out" means that something needs to be explained in a very clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.

When should I use the phrase "must be spelled out"?

Use "must be spelled out" when precision and clarity are essential, such as in legal documents, technical specifications, or instructions where misunderstanding could lead to problems. Alternatives include "needs to be clarified" or "should be fully explained" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "must be spelled out"?

Alternatives to "must be spelled out" include "needs to be clarified", "should be fully explained", "has to be explicitly stated", or "should be articulated precisely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "must be spelled out" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "must be spelled out" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "needs to be explained" or "should be clarified" are generally more appropriate for informal settings.