must claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must claim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a necessity or obligation to assert or declare something. Example: "In order to receive your benefits, you must claim them within the specified time frame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The state not only does but must claim to speak in the name of those it coerces; rulers of a state could not avoid the moral implications that flow from this claim by explaining that they are just authoritarian rulers, bosses who command state power and plan to rule for their own personal benefit.

SEP

This is the revolutionary spirit that we must claim again for ourselves -- fast -- if we are to save the country.

Huffington Post

For example, in order to explain how the meaning of tomato can be the same for two speakers, conceptual-role semantics must claim that the word plays the same conceptual role in the two speakers' mental lives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We must claim its promise.

The New York Times

Capitalism must claim its scalps.

Independent

You must claim your bonus by 2030.

The Guardian - Money

But pensioners must claim for this entitlement.

The Guardian - Money

Now let's look at the adults who must claim responsibility.

The New York Times

Most important, Labour must claim the mantle of self-government.

The Guardian - Opinion

• Parents must claim and 1 million have not.

The Guardian - Money

It states that refugees must claim asylum in the first country they arrive in Europe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must claim" when you want to express a strong obligation or necessity to assert something, especially when referring to rules, laws, or duties. Ensure the context supports this level of obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "must claim" when a less forceful expression, such as "should state" or "needs to mention", would be more appropriate. Overusing "must claim" can make your writing sound overly assertive or even aggressive in situations where a softer tone is preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must claim" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity. It indicates that someone is required to assert or declare something. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in contexts where rules, regulations, or formal procedures are discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must claim" is a modal verb phrase that signifies a strong obligation or necessity to assert or declare something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the context aligns with the strong sense of obligation it conveys. For milder assertions, alternatives like "should assert" or "needs to mention" may be more fitting. This phrase is not used in informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have to assert

Expresses a necessity or requirement to state something firmly.

need to declare

Indicates a need or necessity to formally announce or state something.

are required to assert

Indicates a formal obligation or requirement to make a declaration.

it is essential to assert

Highlights the crucial or indispensable nature of making a declaration.

are obliged to declare

Emphasizes a formal duty or compulsion to state something.

are compelled to state

Indicates an external force or pressure to make a statement.

it is imperative to declare

Stresses the urgent or critical need to formally announce something.

should assert

Suggests a recommendation or advisability to state something confidently.

are bound to profess

Implies a strong moral or legal obligation to declare something.

are forced to allege

Suggests that the subject is unwillingly making the claim.

FAQs

How can I use "must claim" in a sentence?

The phrase "must claim" is used to express a strong necessity or obligation to assert something. For example, "To receive the tax credit, you "must claim" it on your tax return."

What are some alternatives to "must claim"?

Alternatives to "must claim" include "are required to assert", "need to declare", or "have to assert", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "must claim"?

It's appropriate to use "must claim" when there is a strong obligation, legal requirement, or imperative need to assert or declare something. For example, in legal documents or formal instructions.

Is "must claim" more formal than "should claim"?

Yes, "must claim" is generally more formal and conveys a stronger sense of obligation than "should claim", which suggests a recommendation or advisability rather than a strict requirement.