must be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

'must be understood' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something should be understood or known. For example: The importance of environmental protection must be understood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One thing must be understood first.

The New York Times

This must be understood by Yonkers residents themselves.

The New York Times

First and foremost, the computer arithmetic must be understood.

Britannica

Religion, it must be understood, is not faith.

The Guardian - Books

But my jokes must be understood by everybody.

The New York Times

Melancholy and sentimentality must be understood as two separate ideas.

The New York Times

Conservatism must be understood as a synthesis of all three.

The New York Times - Books

First off, the following crucial components must be understood.

Cornell University

The State’s interest must be understood against this background.

Cornell University

In order to communicate, we must be understood.

Yale University

The Krusevac incident must be understood within this particular historical context.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject requiring understanding is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Clarity in what "must be understood" enhances the message's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "must be understood" excessively, as it can lead to a passive and indirect tone. Instead, consider rephrasing to make the subject more active and engaging, improving readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be understood" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a necessity or requirement for comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be understood" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the critical importance of comprehension across diverse contexts. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and frequently employed in news, scientific, and academic domains. The phrase serves to highlight the necessity of grasping a concept or situation before proceeding further. To enhance writing, consider the clarity and active engagement of your subject while avoiding overuse of the passive voice. By using this information, you may be able to write with more clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be understood

Uses 'needs' instead of 'must', softening the imperative tone.

has to be understood

Substitutes 'must' with 'has to', maintaining a sense of obligation.

it is essential to understand

Replaces the modal verb with a more explicit statement of necessity.

it is important to comprehend

Focuses on the significance of grasping the concept.

one should understand

Uses 'should' to express a recommendation to understand, rather than a strict requirement.

it's crucial to grasp

Emphasizes the critical nature of understanding.

requires comprehension

Shifts the focus to what is needed for comprehension.

demands a clear understanding

Highlights the need for clarity in understanding.

understanding is paramount

Underscores the supreme importance of understanding.

knowledge is required

Shifts the focus from the act of understanding to the requirement of knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "must be understood" to emphasize the importance of a concept. For example, "The context of the situation "must be understood" before making a judgment."

What are some alternatives to "must be understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "needs to be understood", "has to be understood", or "it is essential to understand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "must be understood"?

While "must be understood" is in the passive voice, it's often appropriate when the emphasis is on the concept being understood rather than the actor. However, consider using active voice for a more direct and engaging tone when possible.

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

"Must be understood" implies a higher degree of necessity and criticality. "Should be understood" suggests it is advisable or beneficial to understand, but not absolutely essential.