must be told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be told" is correct and usable in written English.
Depending on context, it can mean that something should be disclosed or explained, or that something must be remembered and not forgotten. For example, "The truth behind the scandal must be told" or "The story of our ancestors must be told."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Must be told".

The New York Times

The story must be told".

The New Yorker

These truths must be told.

The New York Times

"These [black] stories must be told.

The Guardian - Film

"Congress must be told the truth".

The Guardian

The whole story must be told.

The New York Times

Its story must be told in pictures.

The Guardian - Opinion

The answer surely is that the story must be told.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Other stories are out there and they must be told.

Huffington Post

Sandy says that they had another the-children-must-be-told conversation shortly before the move.

The New Yorker

The truth must be told..."...

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must be told" when you want to emphasize the importance or necessity of conveying information, stories, or truths that should not be kept hidden or ignored. It adds a sense of urgency or moral obligation to the communication.

Common error

Avoid using "must be told" in casual conversations or informal writing where a more relaxed or conversational tone is appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "should be said" or "needs to be mentioned" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be told" functions as a passive construction expressing obligation or necessity. It indicates that someone or something is obligated to communicate information. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be told" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression signifying a strong obligation to communicate information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable across varied contexts but carries a neutral to somewhat formal tone. It is most commonly found in news and media, science and wiki sources. When using "must be told", ensure the context aligns with its imperative nature, and consider alternatives like "needs to be communicated" or "should be disclosed" for similar but subtly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be communicated

Focuses on the action of communicating something that is required.

should be disclosed

Emphasizes the act of revealing information that ought to be made public.

has to be revealed

Highlights the necessity of unveiling a secret or unknown fact.

is essential to convey

Stresses the importance of transmitting a particular message or piece of information.

demands to be shared

Indicates a strong need to distribute information widely.

warrants being expressed

Suggests that something deserves to be voiced or articulated.

is imperative to narrate

Highlights the critical nature of telling a story or recounting events.

requires to be divulged

Focuses on the necessity of making private or sensitive information known.

is crucial to report

Emphasizes the significance of providing an account of events or facts.

should be brought to light

Focuses on unveiling or making something visible or known.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must be told" indicates that something needs to be communicated. For example, "The truth about what happened "must be told", no matter the consequences."

What are some alternatives to "must be told"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "needs to be communicated", "should be disclosed", or "has to be revealed".

Is "must be told" formal or informal?

The phrase "must be told" carries a somewhat formal tone due to the use of "must", which expresses obligation or necessity. While suitable for news and media or formal reports, it can be replaced with a softer phrasing in informal settings.

What's the difference between "must be told" and "should be told"?

"Must be told" implies a stronger obligation or urgency than "should be told". "Must" suggests that there will be negative consequences if the information isn't shared, while "should" simply suggests it's a good idea.