must be that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a conclusion or assumption about a situation or condition. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it must be that the project will be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Must be that time of the month.

The Guardian - Opinion

It must be that broad Lancastrian accent".

The Guardian - Sport

And America must be that nation.

The Guardian

I thought, 'Oh my god, it must be that shirt.

The Guardian - Sport

"I believe America can and must be that nation".

The New Yorker

It must be that friendship is the new enmity.

The New York Times

It must be that way for a diversified people to live together.

The New York Times

The bottom line must be that industry, not the public, pays for its mistakes.

The New York Times

It must be that unmentionable characteristic for a virtuous woman of the day: sexual desire.

The New York Times - Books

But war profiteer of the year must be that Chomsky of the multiplex, Adam Sandler.

The Guardian - Film

The manager's fear must be that Ashley will not deem signing a replacement this month imperative.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be that", ensure the context provides sufficient clues or evidence to support the conclusion you're drawing. Avoid using it for speculative or baseless assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "must be that" when expressing a mere guess or possibility. It implies a strong level of certainty that might be misleading if the situation warrants more doubt or speculation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be that" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a high probability or logical conclusion based on available information. It serves to express the speaker's strong belief or inference about a situation, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be that" is a versatile tool for expressing logical deductions and strong inferences in both formal and informal settings. Analysis of examples shows its prevalence in various domains, from news and media to scientific and academic discourse. While the phrase conveys a high degree of certainty, it's essential to ensure that the context supports the conclusion being drawn, preventing any overstatement of certainty. According to Ludwig, "must be that" is grammatically correct and usable in written English, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has to be that

Replaces "must" with "has to", indicating a slightly stronger sense of obligation or necessity.

it can only be that

Highlights the exclusivity of the conclusion, suggesting no other possibility exists.

it's got to be that

Uses "got to be" for a more informal and conversational tone.

the logical conclusion is that

Specifies that the phrase is a result of logical steps, often implying certainty.

the only explanation is that

Specifies that the phrase is being used to provide the sole explanation for something.

one can only conclude that

Frames the statement as a conclusion drawn from available evidence or information.

it is necessarily that

Emphasizes the necessity of the conclusion, making it more formal and assertive.

the inference is that

Uses "inference" to suggest the statement is a logical deduction based on something else.

it follows that

Indicates a logical consequence or result, often used in formal or academic contexts.

it is thus that

Highlights that the point is a consequent. Implies logical succession.

FAQs

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

Use "must be that" to express a logical conclusion you've drawn from available information. For example, "The store is closed; it "must be that" it's Sunday".

What phrases can I use instead of "must be that"?

Alternatives include "it has to be that", "it's got to be that", or "it can only be that", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you wish to convey.

How certain should I be when using "must be that"?

"Must be that" implies a high degree of certainty, based on available evidence. Reserve it for situations where you have a strong reason to believe your conclusion is correct, not for mere speculation.

Is "must be that" formal or informal?

"Must be that" falls in a neutral register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality of surrounding language and the specific situation will influence the overall tone.