must take place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'must take place' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action that is required to happen. For example: "The annual company meeting must take place during the first week of every December."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Superheroics must take place.

The New York Times

"Palestinian reconciliation must take place.

The New York Times

This must take place within a new participatory approach.

Transport Policy

He says a dialogue must take place.

The Guardian

Rewilding must take place only with active consent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Consequently, these efforts must take place away from public eyes".

The Guardian - Opinion

Certainly the trial must take place this year".

The Guardian

All this must take place within two weeks.

The Washington Post

Implementation of plans must take place within 5½ years.

The New York Times

Hearings must take place within a reasonable time.

Britannica

Palestinian leaders insist the moves must take place simultaneously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must take place", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for ensuring the action occurs. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "must take place" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "has to happen" or "needs to occur" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must take place" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating necessity or obligation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English for describing an action that is required to happen. The provided examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must take place" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey necessity or obligation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct English and usable in professional writing. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific writing, and less often in more informal contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "is required to happen" or "needs to occur", it carries a somewhat formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding who or what is responsible for the action. Be aware of the potential for overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is scheduled to take place

Indicates a firm arrangement for an event to occur at a specific time.

is required to happen

Emphasizes the requirement or obligation for an event to occur.

needs to occur

Focuses on the necessity of an event taking place.

is imperative to happen

Highlights the urgency and critical nature of an event.

has to happen

Offers a more informal way of expressing the necessity of an event.

is set to occur

Emphasizes the planned nature and anticipation of an event.

is bound to occur

Suggests a high probability or inevitability of an event.

is slated to happen

Indicates that an event is planned or scheduled to occur.

should transpire

A more formal or literary way of saying something needs to happen.

is destined to happen

Implies that the event is predetermined and unavoidable.

FAQs

How can I use "must take place" in a sentence?

Use "must take place" to indicate that something is required or necessary. For instance, "The meeting must take place next week" means it's essential for the meeting to happen then.

What are some alternatives to "must take place"?

Alternatives include "is required to happen", "needs to occur", or "has to happen", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "must take place" formal or informal?

The phrase "must take place" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "must take place" or "has to take place"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "must take place" is generally considered more formal than "has to take place".