must often

USAGE SUMMARY

'must often' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is necessary or obligatory in certain circumstances or that a certain action is typically repeated. Example: As a student, I must often work late into the night to finish my assignments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So Ms. Horton must often improvise.

The New York Times

Especially, perhaps, people who must often submit to stylists.

The New York Times

Salt-damaged ceramic ware must often be consolidated before mending.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inventors and entrepreneurs must often ignore legions of naysayers.

The Economist

In their inelegant profession, boxers must often ignore niceties.

The New York Times - Sports

Even in information technology, it must often share the spotlight.

The New York Times

You must often be on parade for sponsors.

The Guardian - Music

And it must often be an awful job.

The Guardian

And he must often do it running backward.

The New York Times - Sports

Thorny aesthetic questions must often also be addressed.

The New York Times - Arts

Lionel must often explain to Tom why neither of his parents can live with him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must often", ensure the context clearly indicates both the necessity and frequency of the action. This phrase works best when emphasizing a recurring obligation.

Common error

While "must often" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make the text sound repetitive. Consider varying your phrasing with synonyms like "frequently need to" or "typically have to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must often" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a frequent obligation or necessity. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Examples show it used to describe recurring requirements or typical actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must often" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It conveys a recurring obligation or necessity across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for academic or highly professional settings. When employing "must often", ensure that the context clearly indicates both the necessity and frequency of the action for optimal clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently have to

Emphasizes the frequency and necessity of the action.

typically need to

Focuses on the typical need for something.

usually are required to

Highlights the requirement aspect of the action.

generally have to

Similar to 'must often' but with an emphasis on general practice.

are commonly obliged to

Stresses the obligation and commonality of the action.

are repeatedly compelled to

Highlights the repeated compulsion to do something.

are regularly forced to

Emphasizes the regularity and the force behind the action.

in many instances have to

Highlights the number of instances that are requested for a request.

are wont to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying someone is accustomed to doing something.

find it necessary to frequently

Implies a perceived necessity to do something frequently.

FAQs

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

Use "must often" to indicate a frequent obligation or necessity. For example: "Students "must often" study late to meet deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "must often"?

Alternatives include "frequently have to", "typically need to", or "usually are required to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "must often" formal or informal?

"Must often" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

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

"Must often" implies a stronger obligation or necessity than "should often". "Should often" suggests a recommendation or advisability, while "must often" indicates a requirement or frequent need.