must obey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must obey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a requirement or obligation to follow rules, commands, or instructions. Example: "All employees must obey the safety regulations to ensure a secure working environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We must obey".

The New Yorker

You must obey me.

The New Yorker

"I must obey him".

The Guardian - Sport

She must obey her father.

The New York Times

"You're a soldier, you must obey orders.

The New York Times - Magazine

And when fate summons monarchs must obey.

The Guardian

According to Wahhabi Islam, men must obey Allah and women must obey men.

The New York Times - Books

All road-users must obey the rules of the road.

Independent

New rules have been published that they must obey.

Independent

She suppresses her anguish, for she must obey her husband.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Regional governors must obey federal law or risk dismissal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about rules or laws, use "must obey" to clearly indicate the mandatory nature of compliance. For instance, "All citizens must obey the laws of the country."

Common error

Avoid using "must obey" when you only intend to suggest or recommend an action. "Must obey" implies a firm requirement, not a mere option.

Linguistic Context

"Must obey" functions as a verb phrase indicating a requirement or obligation. It signifies that someone is compelled to follow a rule, law, or command. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples showcase diverse contexts where adherence is mandatory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must obey" is a frequently used phrase that expresses a strong obligation or requirement to follow rules, laws, or commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "are required to obey" or "have to obey" exist, "must obey" conveys a firm directive. Therefore, when clear and mandatory compliance is needed, "must obey" serves as an effective and authoritative expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are required to obey

Changes the structure to a passive form emphasizing the requirement.

are obligated to obey

Replaces "must" with "are obligated" for a more formal tone.

have to obey

Substitutes "must" with the more common and slightly less formal "have to".

need to obey

Uses "need to" instead of "must", softening the tone slightly.

are bound to obey

Emphasizes the binding nature of the obligation.

are compelled to obey

Highlights the feeling of being forced to obey.

are duty-bound to obey

Highlights the moral or ethical dimension of the obligation.

are under an obligation to obey

A more verbose and formal way of expressing the obligation.

are subject to obedience

Shifts the focus to the state of being subject to obedience.

are in submission to

Implies a more complete and perhaps passive form of obedience.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must obey" is used to express a strong obligation or requirement to follow rules, commands, or laws. For example, "Employees "must obey" safety regulations at all times."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "must obey"?

Alternatives to "must obey" include "are required to obey", "are obligated to obey", or "have to obey". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

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

Yes, "must obey" indicates a strict requirement with no exceptions, whereas "should obey" suggests a recommendation or moral obligation that is not necessarily enforced.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "must obey"?

"Must obey" is most appropriate in contexts where adherence to rules or commands is non-negotiable, such as legal documents, safety regulations, or military orders. For example, "Soldiers "must obey" the orders of their commanding officer".