must leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"must leave" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a strong obligation or requirement for someone to depart or go away from a place. Example: "I have a meeting at 3 PM, so I must leave the office by 2:30 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He must leave.

The New York Times

But you must leave".

The New York Times

And Mubarak must leave.

The New Yorker

must leave office.

The New Yorker

So he must leave again.

The New Yorker

"You must leave," he said.

The New York Times

All passengers must leave now".

The New Yorker

We must leave this country".

The New Yorker

You must leave".

The Guardian - Arts

I must leave.

The Guardian - Sport

"India must leave Kashmir".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must leave" when conveying a strong sense of obligation or necessity. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts where the departure is non-negotiable.

Common error

Avoid using "must leave" when you intend to offer a suggestion rather than express a strict requirement. Using "should leave" or "ought to leave" is more appropriate when providing advice or a recommendation.

Linguistic Context

"Must leave" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a strong obligation or necessity. It combines the modal verb "must" with the verb "leave" to express that an action is required. Ludwig's examples show diverse scenarios, from personal necessities to official orders, all reinforcing this sense of obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

21%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Huffington Post

5%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must leave" effectively conveys a strong obligation or necessity to depart. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news, formal business communication, and general instructions, it suits various contexts, though formality varies based on the surrounding language. When a softer suggestion is needed, consider alternatives like "should leave". The high frequency and authoritative sources using this phrase demonstrate its reliability and clarity in expressing required departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required to leave

This alternative replaces the modal verb "must" with "is required to", emphasizing the mandatory nature of the departure.

is obliged to depart

Uses "obliged" instead of "must", suggesting a sense of duty or compulsion in leaving.

needs to go

This is a more informal way of expressing the need to leave, suitable for casual contexts.

has to exit

Replaces "leave" with "exit", implying a physical departure from a place.

is bound to leave

Emphasizes a sense of inevitability or being destined to leave.

is compelled to go

Uses "compelled" to highlight an external force or pressure causing the departure.

is under orders to leave

Suggests that the departure is a result of a command or instruction.

is forced to depart

Emphasizes the lack of choice in the departure.

is duty-bound to leave

Highlights the moral or ethical obligation to leave.

should exit

Substitutes “must” for “should”, weakening the intensity of the action.

FAQs

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

Use "must leave" to express a strong obligation or necessity to depart. For example, "I must leave now to catch my train" or "All passengers must leave the building during the fire drill".

What phrases are similar to "must leave"?

Similar phrases include "is required to leave", "needs to go", or "has to exit". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "must leave" formal or informal?

"Must leave" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends on the surrounding language and the overall situation. However, alternatives like "is obliged to depart" might be perceived as more formal.

When should I use "should leave" instead of "must leave"?

Use "should leave" when you want to offer a suggestion or advice, rather than express a strict obligation. "You should leave early to avoid traffic" is a suggestion, whereas "You must leave immediately if you smell gas" is an order or necessity.