must suffice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must suffice" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express that something is sufficient or adequate, suggesting that there is no need to go further. For example: "The apology she offered must suffice; there's no need to pursue further reparations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

One illustration must suffice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(A mere 197 m.p.h. must suffice).

The New York Times

But for now, symbolism must suffice.

The Economist

Now, the football field must suffice.

The New York Times - Sports

Two-lane roads must suffice for now.

The New York Times - Travel

Till then, tea and soft drinks must suffice.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Expert opinion must therefore suffice for formative (supply-side) evaluations.

BMJ Quality and Safety

So, as a group they must be re-interpreted and systematized, and, where that does not suffice, some must be rejected outright.

SEP

Must that suffice?

The New Yorker

Hinting will not suffice; you must actually say "Please find someone else".

The New York Times

Their accomplishments are thought to stabilize insecure personalities, and, in the more compulsive cases, the accomplishments never suffice and must be accumulated doggedly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must suffice" when indicating that something is adequate or acceptable, even if not ideal. It implies a sense of acceptance or resignation to the available option. It is most effective when emphasizing limitations or constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "must suffice" excessively in highly formal documents, such as academic papers or legal briefs. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less authoritative. Opt for stronger, more assertive language when precision and impact are crucial. For example, instead of saying "This data must suffice," consider "This data is sufficient" or "This data adequately supports the conclusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must suffice" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing necessity and adequacy. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is sufficient or adequate, suggesting there is no need to go further. Examples show its use in various contexts to indicate acceptance of a less-than-ideal situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must suffice" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates something is adequate or acceptable, even if it's not ideal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register. While stronger alternatives exist for highly formal contexts, "must suffice" effectively conveys acceptance of limitations and is deemed appropriate for various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will have to do

Emphasizes the acceptance of something out of necessity, suggesting a lack of better alternatives.

is sufficient

Formally states that something meets the required standards or needs.

will be adequate

Focuses on the sufficiency of something for a particular purpose or requirement.

will be enough

Highlights the sufficiency of something in meeting a specific need or expectation.

is the best we can do

Acknowledges limitations and suggests that the current option is the most viable under the circumstances.

has to be accepted

Stresses the necessity of accepting something, often implying a lack of alternatives.

is all we have

Emphasizes the scarcity of options, indicating that the available choice is the only one.

that's the limit

Indicates that no further action or provision is possible or permissible.

that's all there is

Expresses a sense of finality, suggesting that nothing more is available or possible.

it is the maximum allowed

Specifies that something has reached its upper limit or permitted extent.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must suffice" indicates that something is adequate or acceptable, even if it is not ideal. For example, "Since we don't have enough chairs, the floor "must suffice" for some guests."

What's a more formal alternative to "must suffice"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is sufficient", "will suffice", or "proves adequate" as alternatives to "must suffice". These options often convey a stronger sense of authority and precision.

Is "must suffice" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "must suffice" can sometimes sound less authoritative in academic writing. Depending on the context, stronger alternatives like "is adequate", "is sufficient", or "adequately demonstrates" might be more suitable.

What does it imply when someone says "must suffice"?

When someone says "must suffice", it implies that while something might not be perfect or ideal, it is adequate or acceptable under the given circumstances. It often suggests a limitation or constraint that necessitates settling for the available option.