must reach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must reach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a requirement or necessity to arrive at a certain point or goal. Example: "To succeed in this project, we must reach our target audience effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Applications must reach us by March 6th.

The Economist

Applications must reach [email protected] by March 19th.

The Economist

But, to eradicate polio, they must reach almost everyone.

The Economist

The jury must reach a unanimous decision on that issue.

The New York Times

"But first, the person must reach for the shirt.

The New York Times - Health

The winner must reach exactly zero on his last throw.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But you too must reach beyond your comfort levels.

The New York Times

So they must reach beyond people their own age.

The New York Times

Ground forces must reach and protect the oil fields quickly.

The New York Times

You must reach far back to find a precedent.

The New York Times

They must reach a two-thirds majority to elect a pope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must reach" when emphasizing a non-negotiable requirement or a critical destination, both literally and figuratively. For example, "The deadline must reach the committee by Friday" or "We must reach a consensus on this matter."

Common error

Avoid using "must reach" in casual conversation or informal writing where a less forceful phrase would suffice. For instance, instead of saying "I must reach the store before it closes" in a text message, try "I need to get to the store before it closes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must reach" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating necessity or obligation combined with a verb of motion or achievement. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must reach" is a grammatically sound and frequently used modal verb phrase that indicates a requirement or necessity to arrive at a certain point or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, conveying a sense of obligation or urgency. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, opting for less forceful alternatives where appropriate. Mastering its usage can enhance clarity and precision in various writing tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to attain

Replaces "must" with "need to" and "reach" with "attain", slightly softening the tone.

have to achieve

Substitutes "must" with "have to" and "reach" with "achieve", emphasizing accomplishment.

are required to arrive at

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "must reach" with a longer, more descriptive phrase.

are obliged to get to

Emphasizes obligation or duty, implying a formal requirement to arrive.

should aspire to hit

Suggests aiming for a goal rather than a strict requirement; more aspirational.

are bound to connect with

Highlights a guaranteed connection, changing the context slightly from mere arrival.

it's imperative to make contact with

Stresses the urgency and importance of establishing contact.

it is essential to get in touch with

Focuses on the necessity of communication, shifting from a physical destination to a relational one.

are compelled to extend to

Implies coercion or a strong external force driving the need to reach out.

are duty-bound to encounter

Highlights the ethical or moral obligation to meet or experience something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must reach" indicates a necessity to arrive at a specific point or achieve a certain level. For example, "Applications "must reach" us by March 6th" or "Body temperature "must reach" >101ºF."

What are some alternatives to "must reach"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "need to attain", "have to achieve", or "are required to arrive at".

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

"Must reach" implies a stronger obligation or necessity than "should reach". "Must" indicates a requirement, while "should" suggests a recommendation or expectation.

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

The phrase "must reach" is most appropriate in formal and professional contexts where there is a clear requirement or deadline. Examples include legal documents, official communications, and scientific reports.