must include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must include" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to specify that certain elements or components are required to be part of something. Example: "The report must include a summary of the findings and recommendations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The club must include Britain.

The Economist

Must include 1000 miles.

The New Yorker

A good dish must include all five.

Independent

For example, coverage must include maternal care.

The New York Times

All goods must include original packaging.

The Guardian - Money

This assembly must include respected Pashtun leaders.

The New York Times

The system must include business traffic.

The New York Times

Winning schemes must include the fuel poor.

The Guardian

And it must include your full name.

The Guardian - Travel

These must include: Tackling youth unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

That must include more resources being applied.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must include", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is imposing the requirement.

Common error

Avoid overuse by sometimes replacing "must include" with alternatives like "should include" or "is recommended to include" when the context allows for flexibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must include" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in indicating that something is required or essential, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must include" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a mandatory requirement or essential component. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, writers should consider softer alternatives like "should include" when strict obligation is not intended. The phrase's function is to specify requirements clearly, and its register ranges from neutral to formal. Ludwig AI confirms that "must include" effectively conveys that something is required or essential in a given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required to include

Replaces "must" with "is required to", emphasizing obligation.

has to include

Replaces "must" with "has to", maintaining a sense of obligation.

is necessary to include

Substitutes "must" with "is necessary to", highlighting essential inclusion.

is essential to include

Substitutes "must" with "is essential to", underscoring the critical importance of inclusion.

needs to include

Uses "needs to" instead of "must", suggesting a requirement based on necessity.

is obliged to include

Employs "is obliged to" to convey a formal sense of duty.

is bound to include

Replaces "must" with "is bound to", implying a certainty of inclusion.

should include

Uses "should" instead of "must", indicating a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

necessarily includes

Changes the structure to emphasize the inherent inclusion of something.

entails including

Uses "entails including" to signify that something inevitably involves the inclusion of something else.

FAQs

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

Use "must include" to indicate a mandatory component or element. For example: "The application "must include" a cover letter and resume".

What are some alternatives to "must include"?

Alternatives include "is required to include", "is necessary to include", or "should include", depending on the level of obligation you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "must include" and "should include"?

"Must include" indicates a strict requirement, while "should include" suggests a recommendation or best practice. Use "must" when something is mandatory and "should" when it's advisable but not strictly enforced.

When is it appropriate to use "must include" in formal writing?

It's suitable in formal writing when outlining mandatory requirements, regulations, or specifications. For instance, "The proposal "must include" a detailed budget and timeline".