must reckon with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must reckon with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one has to confront or deal with a particular issue or situation. Example: "As we move forward with the project, we must reckon with the challenges posed by the current market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The author must reckon with this circumstance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, many critics believe that the agency must reckon with the legacy of the Bush era.

The New Yorker

Anybody concerned with alleviating world poverty must reckon with the MIFFs.The category has also grown fast.

The Economist

Poles must reckon with the restriction of their sovereignty by the interests of the USSR...

The New York Times - Books

This is a novel phenomenon, one that Assange and conventional media must reckon with.

The New Yorker

And America's premier luxury car brand must reckon with an uncomfortable truth.

The New York Times

Landrieu told the council Thursday: "We must reckon with our past.

The Washington Post

This brings us to the obstacle Arquitectonica must reckon with in attempting something fresh.

The New York Times - Arts

Now her teaching brings out the lurking aggression and she must reckon with it.

The Guardian - Books

But this time he must reckon with a united front to defeat him.

The New York Times

Anyone who wants the federal government to do more to stop gun violence must reckon with these statistics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must reckon with", ensure the subject clearly identifies who needs to confront the issue and the object specifies what they need to confront.

Common error

Avoid using "must reckon with" when a simple "consider" or "think about" would suffice. The phrase implies a significant challenge or unavoidable reality, not just a casual thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must reckon with" functions as a phrasal verb expressing obligation and necessity to confront or address a particular situation or issue. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts where dealing with certain realities is unavoidable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must reckon with" is a phrasal verb that signifies the necessity to confront or address a significant issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad usage, particularly in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "must contend with" and "must confront" exist, "must reckon with" carries a unique nuance of unavoidable reality. To use it effectively, ensure the subject and object are clear, and avoid substituting it for simpler terms like "consider" when the situation doesn't warrant its strong implication. This analysis provides a complete usage guide, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must contend with

Emphasizes dealing with difficulties or challenges that arise.

must confront

Highlights a direct and often challenging encounter with an issue.

must face

Implies accepting and dealing with a situation, often unpleasant.

must address

Focuses on taking action to resolve or manage a particular problem.

must consider

Stresses the importance of thinking about something carefully before making a decision.

must take into account

Highlights the need to include certain factors in one's calculations or planning.

must grapple with

Suggests a struggle to understand or deal with a complex issue.

must deal with

A general phrase for handling or managing a situation.

must take cognizance of

A more formal way of saying 'must acknowledge' or 'must be aware of'.

must be mindful of

Emphasizes the importance of remembering or paying attention to something.

FAQs

How to use "must reckon with" in a sentence?

Use "must reckon with" to indicate that someone or something needs to confront or deal with a particular issue, challenge, or reality. For example, "The company "must reckon with" the changing market trends".

What can I say instead of "must reckon with"?

You can use alternatives like "must contend with", "must confront", or "must face", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "must reckon with" or "should reckon with"?

"Must reckon with" indicates a necessity, while "should reckon with" suggests a recommendation. The choice depends on whether the action is essential or merely advisable.

What's the difference between "must reckon with" and "must consider"?

"Must consider" implies a need for thoughtful evaluation, while "must reckon with" suggests dealing with an unavoidable or challenging situation. "Must reckon with" carries a stronger sense of obligation and confrontation than "must consider".