must hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must hold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required or necessary to be true or valid in a given context. Example: "For the theory to be valid, the following conditions must hold: consistency, completeness, and soundness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The centre must hold.

The Guardian - Opinion

We must hold on.

The Guardian

We must hold him accountable".

The New York Times

We must hold schools accountable.

The New York Times

The administration must hold its ground.

The New York Times

Mr. Holder must hold the line.

The New York Times

She must hold to this.

The Guardian

I believe we must hold firm.

The Guardian

Congress must hold her to this promise.

The New York Times

We must hold them to account".

The Guardian

Applicants must hold a non-tenured position.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and audience. While "must hold" conveys authority, adjust your word choice depending on whether the context is formal or informal.

Common error

Avoid using "must hold" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or assertive. Opt for milder alternatives like "should keep" or "need to maintain" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must hold" functions primarily as a modal verb construction expressing obligation, necessity, or requirement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something is essential or mandatory in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must hold" is a versatile expression that signifies a strong necessity, obligation, or requirement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. It is frequently employed in news, science, and formal business settings to convey that something is essential and must be maintained. While it carries an assertive tone, writers should consider the audience and context to ensure appropriate use. When formality is not a concern, alternatives such as "is required to maintain" or "needs to preserve" can be used to soften the expression while retaining its core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must continue to have

Explicitly states the need for continued possession.

is required to maintain

Emphasizes the obligatory aspect of maintaining a certain condition.

has to keep

Implies a strong necessity to continue possessing something.

needs to preserve

Highlights the necessity of keeping something intact.

is crucial to sustain

Highlights the critical need to keep something going.

is bound to keep

Indicates a commitment or duty to continue.

is essential to uphold

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining something.

needs to stand firm

Focuses on resisting pressure to change a position or belief.

is obligated to retain

Focuses on the formal obligation to keep something.

should maintain

Suggests a recommendation to uphold a certain standard.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must hold" is used to indicate something is required or necessary to be true or valid. For example, "For the theory to be valid, the following conditions "must hold": consistency, completeness, and soundness".

What are some alternatives to "must hold"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is required to maintain", "needs to preserve", or "should maintain" to express a similar meaning, while slightly altering the tone or emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "must hold" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "must hold" in formal writing, legal documents, or technical contexts where a strong sense of obligation or necessity needs to be conveyed. In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives to soften the tone.

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

"Must hold" implies a strict requirement or obligation, whereas "should hold" suggests a recommendation or expectation. The former is stronger and leaves less room for deviation.