must continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must continue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the necessity of persisting with an action or process. Example: "Despite the challenges we face, we must continue to strive for excellence in our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The investigation must continue".

Independent

Research must continue apace.

The Economist

You must continue.' ".

The New York Times

We must continue that.

Independent

"It must continue.

The New York Times

Pragmatic cooperation must continue.

The New York Times

But the work must continue.

The New York Times

We must continue to believe.

The New York Times

Somehow life must continue.

The Guardian

Strenuous efforts must continue".

The Guardian - Opinion

Must continue raising ambition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must continue", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or process needs to be sustained. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must continue" excessively in informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "need to carry on" or "should go on" can sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must continue" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a strong obligation or necessity for an action to persist. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, reinforcing its use in expressing the need for ongoing effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must continue" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the necessity of persisting with an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds its primary use in news and media, formal business settings, and academic contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, leaning towards professional, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal conversations. Remember to clearly specify what needs to continue to avoid ambiguity and ensure your choice aligns with the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's imperative to proceed

Highlights the urgency of continuing with "imperative".

it is essential to continue

Emphasizes the importance of continuation using "essential".

needs to proceed

Replaces "must" with "needs to", softening the obligation slightly.

must persevere

Implies continuation despite difficulties, adding a sense of resilience.

has to go on

Uses "has to" instead of "must", providing a more colloquial feel.

should carry on

Substitutes "must" with "should", indicating a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

has to keep going

A more casual alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

is required to proceed

Replaces the modal verb with a more formal and explicit expression of necessity.

is obliged to proceed

Replaces "must" with "is obliged to", giving the expression a legal tone.

cannot stop

Expresses continuation as a prohibition against stopping.

FAQs

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

Use "must continue" to express the necessity of persisting with a specific action or process. For example, "The investigation "must continue" until all the facts are known."

What are some alternatives to "must continue"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "needs to proceed", "should carry on", or "has to go on".

When is it appropriate to use "must continue"?

"Must continue" is appropriate when emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a certain action, especially in formal or serious contexts. News reports, academic papers, or business correspondence often use this phrase.

What is the difference between "must continue" and "should continue"?

"Must continue" implies a stronger obligation than "should continue". "Must" indicates a requirement, while "should" suggests a recommendation. Therefore, "must continue" conveys a higher degree of necessity.