must not change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'must not change' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something should remain the same or be kept constant. For example: "In order to stay healthy, our eating habits must not change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

1. Business process diagram must not change for changing in business rules.

WikiHow

"You must not change the foot bed.

The New Yorker

But they must not change the woman in midweek".

The New York Times - Sports

Nor does it tackle the biggest issue: "collective" ownership, which the party decrees must not change.

The Economist

The NHS is seen as this sacred cow that must not change.

The Guardian - Tech

We must not change the order of events even "slightly", nor "sharpen up" anything that appears between quotation marks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But things mustn't change, this freedom should last forever.

BBC

He added: "He mustn't change because England are going to sign him up for what he is.

BBC

When it triumphs as it certainly must, it will not change that policy.

The Guardian - Books

This is no small matter to automakers, who can now plan years into the future knowing that the mileage and emissions regulations their vehicles must pass will not change from year to year or ZIP code to ZIP code.

The New York Times

In OECD Guideline 307 [13] it is stated in Annex 1, Definitions, that "the extraction method must not substantially change the compounds themselves or the structure of the matrix".

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must not change" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly establishes the authority or reason behind the prohibition of change. For instance, when defining the parameters of a clinical trial, you might state, "The patient's medication regimen must not change during the study period."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "must not change" can sound overly formal or authoritarian in casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider using phrases like "shouldn't change" or "can't change" to convey a similar meaning without the same degree of emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must not change" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing strong necessity and prohibition. It indicates that a particular state or condition should be maintained and that any alteration is disallowed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must not change" is a modal verb phrase that conveys a strong prohibition or necessity for something to remain in its current state. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. While effective in conveying a firm requirement, it's important to consider the tone and formality of the context, as less formal alternatives may be more appropriate in casual settings. Remembering these nuances will ensure effective communication and prevent overuse in less formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must remain the same

Focuses on maintaining an identical state.

is required to stay constant

Highlights the obligation to stay the same.

should not be altered

Emphasizes recommendation and suitability, less forceful than "must not change".

cannot be changed

Indicates impossibility of change, rather than prohibition.

has to stay invariable

Emphasizes the need for an unchanging state, using "has to".

cannot undergo modification

Focuses on the impossibility of modifying something.

is not allowed to change

Highlights a prohibition or lack of permission to change.

is essential to preserve

Highlights the importance of avoiding alteration.

should be kept constant

Suggests maintaining consistency, with a lighter emphasis on obligation.

ought not to be modified

Expresses a weaker obligation using "ought", also more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "must not change" in a sentence?

Use "must not change" to indicate that something is required to remain in its current state. For example: "The terms of the agreement "must not change" without prior written consent."

What is a less formal alternative to "must not change"?

Alternatives include "should not change", "cannot change", or "can't be changed", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What does "must not change" imply about the context?

"Must not change" implies a rule, requirement, or strong recommendation that something remain constant. It suggests a potential negative consequence if the change occurs.

Is there a difference between "must not change" and "should not change"?

Yes. "Must not change" indicates a strict prohibition, while "should not change" suggests a recommendation or preference but carries less force. The choice depends on how critical it is for something to remain unaltered.