must not waver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must not waver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of maintaining a firm stance or not changing one's mind or position on a matter. Example: "In times of uncertainty, we must not waver in our commitment to our values and principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

We must not waver.

The New York Times

Our commitment to Israel's security must not waver, and neither must our pursuit of peace.

The New York Times

Western governments, meanwhile, must not waver in standing with their Ukrainian neighbors.

The Washington Post

OBAMA: Our commitment to Israel's security must not waver, and neither must our pursuit of peace.

The Washington Post

Reform-minded politicians insist that the government must not waver in pushing through the pension changes.

The New York Times

With the system now being put in place, our commitment to its implementation with fidelity must not waver.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The phrases "we will not waver" and "we must win this battle" were marshalled.

BBC

"I will not waver.

The Washington Post

Do not waver from this.

The New York Times

But we will not waver.

The Guardian - Opinion

I will not waver from this foundation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must not waver" to convey a sense of strong resolve and determination, particularly when facing challenges or opposition. This phrase is appropriate when emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent course of action.

Common error

While "must not waver" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "stay strong" or "don't give up" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must not waver" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong obligation or necessity to remain steadfast. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in emphasizing unwavering commitment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must not waver" is a modal verb phrase that conveys a strong sense of obligation to remain steadfast. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the audience and opt for more informal alternatives like "stay strong" in casual settings. Remember to use "must not waver" when emphasizing unwavering commitment and a strong course of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must stand firm

Replaces "waver" with "stand firm", emphasizing a proactive resistance to being moved or changed.

must stay the course

Implies adherence to a planned path or strategy, where "wavering" would mean deviating from that course.

should not falter

Replaces "must" with "should" offering a slightly weaker obligation and replaces "waver" with "falter", suggesting a stumble rather than a significant shift in resolve.

cannot yield

Substitutes "must not waver" with "cannot yield", emphasizing a resistance to external pressure rather than internal doubt.

will not yield

Similar to "cannot yield", but uses "will not" to highlight a deliberate choice not to give way.

cannot be swayed

Shifts the focus to external influence by stating that one "cannot be swayed", indicating resistance to persuasion.

should remain firm

Replaces "must" with "should" for a less forceful command, and replaces "waver" with "remain firm", stressing stability.

will not back down

Focuses on a refusal to retreat or concede, with a stronger emphasis on defiance than simple steadfastness.

ought not to flinch

Employs "ought not to" instead of "must not" to convey a moral obligation, and uses "flinch" to suggest a reaction to fear or surprise.

ought to persevere

Changes the tone to one of moral obligation to continue despite difficulties, replacing the sense of immediate resolve.

FAQs

What does "must not waver" mean?

The phrase "must not waver" means to maintain a firm stance or course of action and not to change one's mind or position, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition. It implies a strong sense of resolve and determination.

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

You can use "must not waver" to emphasize the importance of remaining steadfast. For example, "In the face of adversity, we "must not waver" in our commitment to justice."

What are some alternatives to "must not waver"?

Alternatives to "must not waver" include "should remain firm", "cannot yield", or "must stand firm". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "must not waver" or "should not waver"?

"Must not waver" conveys a stronger sense of obligation and necessity than "should not waver". Use "must" when the situation demands unwavering commitment, and "should" when offering advice or a less forceful recommendation.