must complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must complete" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is required to be finished or accomplished. Example: "All participants must complete the registration form before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also must complete a bank recapitalization.

The New York Times

"For China still must complete its W.T.O.

The New York Times

Students must complete the following courses.

Stanford University

However you must complete a new application.

Princeton University

Graduate students must complete four core courses.

Princeton University

You must complete your purchase via Ticketmaster.

Columbia University

Reduced Residency students must complete 900 hours.

Columbia University

Each student must complete a doctoral dissertation.

Stanford University

Must complete one of the following courses.

Cornell University

Each participant must complete a separate application.

University of California, Berkeley

Applicants must complete an online application form.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must complete" when conveying a firm requirement or obligation. It's direct and leaves no room for interpretation about whether the action is optional.

Common error

Avoid using "must complete" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for alternatives like "need to" or "have to" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must complete" functions as a modal verb construction, expressing obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a requirement to finish or accomplish a task. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in academic, legal, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must complete" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a firm obligation or requirement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase indicates that something is required to be finished or accomplished. It finds frequent use in academic and news contexts, often conveying rules, regulations, or directives. When aiming for a less formal tone, alternatives like "need to" or "have to" are suitable substitutes. Remember to reserve "must complete" for situations where a strong sense of necessity is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are required to complete

Emphasizes a formal requirement or obligation.

need to complete

Indicates a necessity to finish something, less formal than "must".

have to complete

Expresses obligation, similar to "must" but slightly more informal.

are obligated to complete

Highlights the binding nature of the completion.

are compelled to complete

Suggests a strong internal or external pressure to finish.

it is essential to complete

Stresses the importance of the completion.

it is imperative to complete

Emphasizes the critical nature of finishing something.

should complete

Suggests a recommendation or expectation to finish, weaker than "must".

are advised to complete

Indicates a suggestion to finish, often for a beneficial outcome.

are expected to complete

Expresses an anticipation or standard that something should be finished.

FAQs

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

You can use "must complete" to indicate that something is required. For example, "All students "must complete the assignment" by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "must complete"?

Alternatives include "are required to complete", "need to complete", or "have to complete", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "must complete" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "must complete" can sound formal in casual settings. Consider using "need to finish" or "have to do" in informal conversations.

What's the difference between "must complete" and "should complete"?

"Must complete" indicates a strict requirement, while "should complete" suggests a recommendation or expectation. For example, "You must complete the form" implies it's mandatory, whereas "You should complete the form" suggests it's advisable.