must be worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a requirement or obligation regarding clothing or accessories that need to be worn in a specific context. Example: "For safety reasons, hard hats must be worn at all times on the construction site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That means Kevlar helmets must be worn.

The New York Times

There, headpieces must be worn with a base of at least four inches.

Independent

Then the whole contraption must be worn at least five days.

The New York Times - Health

A visitor's pass must be worn at all times during the hike.

The New York Times - Travel

But these garments must be worn beneath a dress or skirt, which could be cumbersome.

The New York Times - Sports

Thick cotton flannel pyjamas must be worn in bed at all times during winter.

Independent

One should be: seat belts must be worn and put on before starting the engine.

The New York Times

The rule stipulates that all protective equipment must be worn underneath the uniform.

The Guardian - Sport

A black or grey top hat and black shoes must be worn.

The Guardian - Sport

All hats must be worn with the peak facing forward, and suits are the required road attire.

The New York Times

Gloves made of soft material or leather must be worn to prevent moisture from affecting the ball.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a strict regulation or policy, use "must be worn" to clearly convey the mandatory nature of wearing the specified item. For example, "Safety goggles "must be worn" at all times in the laboratory."

Common error

Avoid using "must be worn" in casual conversation or informal writing where a less forceful phrase like "should be worn" or "is recommended" would be more appropriate. The phrase "must be worn" implies a formal requirement or regulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be worn" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation or necessity. As Ludwig suggests, it expresses a requirement that something needs to be worn, often due to a rule, regulation, or safety concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be worn" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a mandatory requirement for wearing a particular item, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage is prevalent across various contexts, including news, general instructions and science. It tends to be formal, conveying a sense of obligation or necessity. When writing, consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase's formality aligns with the intended tone. For less formal situations, alternatives like "should be worn" might be more appropriate. Remember to reserve "must be worn" for instances where a clear and non-negotiable requirement is being communicated. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is mandatory to wear

Like "compulsory", stresses the mandatory nature of wearing something.

it is compulsory to wear

Strongly emphasizes that wearing something is mandatory and non-negotiable.

is required to be worn

More formal and emphasizes the obligatory nature of wearing something.

shall be worn

Formal and legalistic, often used in regulations and official documents.

has to be worn

Informal, but still denotes a strong necessity to wear something.

needs to be worn

Similar to "has to be worn" in indicating a need, but slightly more formal.

should be worn

Expresses a recommendation rather than a strict requirement; less forceful than "must be worn".

are obligated to wear

Highlights the obligation or duty to wear something, often in a formal setting.

are expected to wear

Indicates a strong expectation rather than a strict rule, but still implies a requirement.

are supposed to wear

Implies a convention or rule that should be followed; less strict than "must".

FAQs

What is the difference between "must be worn" and "should be worn"?

"Must be worn" indicates a requirement or obligation, while "should be worn" suggests a recommendation or advisability. "Must" implies a rule, whereas "should" implies a suggestion.

Are there more formal alternatives to "must be worn"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "is required to be worn", "it is mandatory to wear", or "shall be worn", often used in official documents or regulations.

When is it appropriate to use "must be worn"?

It's appropriate when stating a rule, regulation, or strict necessity, such as in safety guidelines ("Helmets "must be worn" on construction sites") or dress codes ("A tie "must be worn" in the royal enclosure").

What can I use instead of "must be worn" in a less strict context?

In less strict contexts, you can use alternatives like "should be worn", "is recommended", or "are expected to wear" to convey a suggestion rather than a strict requirement.