must ensure

USAGE SUMMARY

"must ensure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express the need for someone to take responsibility for a certain situation. For example: "The manager must ensure that the team meets the deadline".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must ensure that they are treated.

The New York Times

The Caribbean people must ensure that:1.

The Economist

"We must ensure that justice is done".

The New York Times

Managers must ensure that things run smoothly.

Harvard Business Review

MPs must ensure that does not happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are rights we must ensure for ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

President Bush must ensure that that does not happen.

The New York Times

"He must ensure that he can trust in his coalition".

The New York Times

Schools must ensure pupils on their register are attending.

The Guardian

We must ensure that limited resource is targeted appropriately".

The Guardian

We must ensure that it is open to all.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, follow "must ensure" with a specific and measurable action to demonstrate how the assurance will be achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "must ensure" when the outcome is not entirely within your control. If external factors significantly impact the result, consider using phrases like "should aim to ensure" or "strive to ensure" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must ensure" functions as a deontic modal, expressing a strong obligation or necessity. It indicates that a particular action or outcome is required and that someone is responsible for guaranteeing it. Ludwig AI, in its analysis, confirms the common use of this phrase across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must ensure" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote a strong obligation or necessity, carrying a significant weight of responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various domains such as news, business, and science. To enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity, it is recommended to specify the responsible party and the actions required. While generally suitable for formal and neutral registers, consider the context and potential for overstatement when using this phrase. Alternatives like "need to guarantee" or "have to make certain" can offer subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to guarantee

This alternative uses "need to" to express necessity and "guarantee" to emphasize certainty.

guarantee the following

This version focuses directly on the act of guaranteeing as a responsibility.

have to make certain

This option replaces "must ensure" with "have to make certain", conveying a similar level of obligation.

it's crucial to guarantee

Substitutes "must" with "it's crucial", emphasizing the importance of ensuring something.

it is imperative to guarantee

Uses "imperative" to heighten the sense of urgency and obligation compared to the original phrase.

it is vital to make sure

This phrase uses "vital" to stress the importance of the action, replacing "ensure" with the more common "make sure".

take the necessary steps to guarantee

This alternative emphasizes the actions needed to achieve assurance, adding a proactive element.

we are obliged to guarantee

Replaces "must" with "are obliged", making the statement more formal.

it is our responsibility to make certain

Highlights the duty to ensure, framing it as a matter of responsibility.

ascertain with certainty

This option replaces "ensure" with "ascertain with certainty", highlighting the need for verified confirmation.

FAQs

How do I use "must ensure" in a sentence?

Use "must ensure" to express a strong obligation or necessity to guarantee a specific outcome. For example, "The government "must ensure" that all citizens have access to healthcare".

What are some alternatives to "must ensure"?

Alternatives include phrases like "need to guarantee", "have to make certain", or "it is crucial to guarantee". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. See a list of alternatives "here".

Is "must ensure" formal or informal?

"Must ensure" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. In highly informal settings, you might opt for more casual alternatives like "gotta make sure".

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

"Must ensure" implies a higher degree of certainty and obligation compared to "should ensure". "Must ensure" suggests a non-negotiable requirement, while "should ensure" indicates a recommended course of action. The alternative is more flexible and less prescriptive.