must try

USAGE SUMMARY

"must try" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing an idea of obligation or duty. For example, "I must try to finish this project by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Must try harder.

Independent

Must try harder, Nige.

Independent

You must try harder".

The New Yorker

And you must try".

The Guardian - Books

Producers: must try harder.

The Guardian - Music

STILL, I must try.

The New York Times

But he must try.

The New York Times - Magazine

He must try again.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Must-try doughnut: The apple fritter ($2).

Los Angeles Times

Must-try doughnut: The S'mores doughnut ($3.50).

Los Angeles Times

Must-try doughnut: The ube doughnut ($2.25).

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must try" to convey a strong recommendation or suggestion, particularly when you believe the experience will be beneficial or enjoyable for the other person. For example, "You must try the apple fritter!"

Common error

Avoid using "must try" excessively, as it can sound repetitive or overly enthusiastic. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "should attempt" or "worth giving a try" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must try" functions as a strong recommendation or suggestion. It expresses a perceived obligation or advisability for the listener or reader to experience something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage pattern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must try" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong recommendation or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to encourage action and imply a positive outcome. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and general conversation. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "should attempt" or "worth giving a try" to maintain variety and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have to try

Substitutes "must" with "have to", indicating a necessity to perform the action.

need to try

Replaces "must" with "need to", emphasizing the requirement to try something.

should attempt

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation but maintaining the suggestion of action.

ought to try

A more formal way of saying "should try", expressing a moral obligation or duty.

highly recommended to try

Expresses a strong suggestion to try something, framing it as a recommendation.

essential to attempt

Highlights the importance of trying, framing it as essential.

it is crucial to attempt

Highlights the critical importance of making an attempt.

imperative to test

Emphasizes the critical necessity of testing or trying something.

worth giving a try

Suggests that something is likely to be beneficial or enjoyable to try.

definitely give it a shot

An informal way of suggesting someone try something, implying it's worth trying.

FAQs

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

"Must try" is typically used to strongly recommend something. For example, "That new restaurant is a "must-try"" or "You "must try" this new coffee blend!"

What can I say instead of "must try"?

You can use alternatives like "should attempt", "have to try", or "highly recommended" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "must try"?

It is appropriate to use "must try" when you are confident that the experience or item you are recommending will be positive and worthwhile for the person you are addressing.

Is "must try" formal or informal?

The phrase "must try" is generally considered to be neutral to informal. It is suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but might be replaced with a more formal term like "essential to attempt" in academic or professional contexts.