must then be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must then be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a necessary conclusion or requirement that follows from a previous statement or condition. Example: "If the evidence is conclusive, it must then be accepted as valid."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The esoteric works must, then, be interpreted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That message must then be refined.

The New York Times - Arts

Tax rates elsewhere must then be higher.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The area must then be managed.

The New York Times - Science

It must then be infinite.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Substitutability of components must then be carefully identified.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

The blank cheque must then be filled out in Vietnamese.

The Economist

She must, then, be something of a fool".

The New Yorker

That sample must then be examined under a microscope.

The New York Times

He must then be sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Guardian

It must then be called simply red wine.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use "must then be", ensure it logically follows the previous statement or condition. The connection between the statements should be clear and unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "must then be" when the sequence is not strictly temporal or consequential. If the connection is merely correlational rather than causal or sequential, consider alternative phrases that don't imply direct dependency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must then be" functions as a modal construction indicating necessity and sequence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its frequent use to express a logical or temporal consequence. Examples from various sources demonstrate its role in conveying required actions or states following certain conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must then be" serves as a pivotal construction for indicating necessary consequences or actions within a sequence. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase commonly appears in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, highlighting its adaptability across various professional domains. The phrase's utility extends to establishing logical dependencies and temporal order, demanding careful application to prevent misinterpretations of sequence. Alternatives such as "must therefore be" and "must subsequently be" offer nuanced substitutes, contingent on the desired emphasis. Ultimately, mastering the use of "must then be" refines clarity and precision in both writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must subsequently be

Emphasizes a temporal sequence more explicitly.

must therefore be

Highlights a logical conclusion derived from preceding statements.

is required to be

Indicates a mandatory condition or obligation.

needs to be

Suggests a necessity but with a slightly less formal tone.

should then be

Conveys a recommendation or expected action following a condition.

has to then be

Implies a condition of obligation.

is going to then be

Expresses a future action dependent on a previous event.

will then need to be

Combines future tense with necessity.

is essential to be

Highlights the indispensable nature of the action.

must be

Implies a firm requirement or inevitable condition with a semantic reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "must then be" in a sentence?

The phrase "must then be" indicates a necessary consequence or conclusion following a previous statement. For example: "If all conditions are met, the process "must then be" initiated."

What phrases are similar to "must then be"?

Similar phrases include "must therefore be", "must subsequently be", or "is required to be". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "must then be" formal or informal?

The phrase "must then be" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts. While grammatically correct, it is best used in professional, academic, or news-related writing.

What is the difference between "must then be" and "should then be"?

"Must then be" indicates a stronger obligation or necessity, while "should then be" suggests a recommendation or expectation. Choose "must" when the action is essential and "should" when it's advisable but not mandatory.