must work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something is necessary or must be done. For example: "If we want to reach our goals, we must work hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A recipe must work?

The Economist

We must work together".

Independent

I must work".

The New York Times

The audience must work harder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The jokes must work tonight".

The New Yorker

The phones must work".

The New York Times

The system must work.

The Guardian

But I must work.

The Guardian - Arts

Here everyone must work.

The Guardian

Schools must work together.

The Guardian

Federal employees must work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must work", ensure the context clearly indicates a strong obligation or necessity. Consider the audience and situation to determine if a softer modal verb like "should" or "need to" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "must work" in casual conversations or informal writing where it can sound overly assertive or demanding. Opt for phrases like "need to work" or "have to work" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must work" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a strong obligation, necessity, or requirement to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its deployment across diverse scenarios, from personal resolutions to systemic imperatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must work" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong sense of obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media sources and academic settings. While interchangeable with alternatives like "have to work" or "need to work", "must work" carries a slightly stronger tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended message. Overusing "must" in informal settings can sound overly assertive, so consider using softer alternatives. By understanding the nuances of "must work", you can effectively communicate the importance of effort and commitment in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have to work

Uses "have to" instead of "must" to convey obligation.

need to work

Employs "need to" indicating a requirement or necessity for working.

are required to work

Expresses obligation through a passive construction, emphasizing the requirement.

it is essential to work

Highlights the essential nature of working, adding emphasis.

it's imperative to work

Replaces "must" with "imperative", suggesting a high level of necessity.

it is necessary to work

Uses "necessary" to show the need to perform a task.

it is obligatory to work

Substitutes "must" with "obligatory", denoting a binding requirement.

are obligated to work

Expresses the requirement through a passive form of obligation.

should work

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation to a recommendation.

ought to work

Uses "ought to" to suggest a moral obligation or advisability.

FAQs

How to use "must work" in a sentence?

Use "must work" to indicate a strong obligation or necessity. For example, "If we want to succeed, we "must work" together".

What can I say instead of "must work"?

You can use alternatives like "have to work", "need to work", or "are required to work" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "must work" or "should work"?

"Must work" implies a stronger obligation than "should work". Use "must" when the action is essential, and "should" when it's a recommendation.

What's the difference between "must work" and "have to work"?

While similar, "have to work" often indicates an external obligation, whereas "must work" can imply either an internal or external obligation. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.