must-read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must-read" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a book, article, or other material that is highly recommended and considered essential reading. Example: "If you're interested in modern history, this biography is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

An absolute must-read".

The Guardian - Books

A cult must-read.

The Guardian - Books

A must-read feed.

The Guardian

Another must-read, for everyone!

The Guardian

Adam's piece is a must-read.

The New York Times

What's on your must-read list?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

A must read!

The Guardian - Books

"You must read it".

The Economist

A writer must read".

The Guardian - Books

But first he must read".

The New York Times - Books

A must read. 5.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "must-read". Ensure the content aligns with their interests and needs to avoid appearing hyperbolic or irrelevant.

Common error

Avoid labeling every piece of content as a "must-read". Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can lead to reader skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must-read" functions primarily as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It serves to highlight the importance and value of the noun it modifies. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

11%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must-read" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to strongly recommend something for reading. According to Ludwig, its function is to highlight the importance of the recommended noun. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to persuade the reader to engage with the recommended content, Ludwig confirms that "must-read" maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for wide audiences. The key is to use it judiciously to maintain its persuasive power. Alternatives include "essential reading" or "highly recommended" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential reading

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary to read, with a stronger emphasis on necessity rather than recommendation.

highly recommended

A straightforward recommendation, lacking the sense of urgency or importance conveyed by "must-read".

recommended reading

Similar to "highly recommended" but less emphatic. It suggests value without implying it's crucial.

indispensable

Focuses on the necessity of something, implying it's crucial for a specific purpose or understanding.

can't miss

Emphasizes the idea that something should not be missed or overlooked.

top pick

Suggests something is among the best choices but does not necessarily imply it's essential.

a classic

Implies something is of high quality and has stood the test of time, often suggesting cultural significance.

definitive guide

Implies comprehensiveness and authority, positioning the reading material as the ultimate resource.

required reading

Suggests that something is mandatory and is often used in academic context.

not to be missed

Similar to "can't miss", it highlights the importance of experiencing something, especially an event or opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "must-read" in a sentence?

You can use "must-read" as an adjective before a noun to describe a highly recommended book, article, or blog post. For example, "This book is a "must-read" for anyone interested in the topic."

What are some alternatives to "must-read"?

Alternatives to "must-read" include "essential reading", "highly recommended", or "indispensable", depending on the specific context.

Is "must-read" formal or informal?

"Must-read" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "essential reading" might be preferred in some situations.

What makes something a "must-read"?

A "must-read" is typically something that is considered exceptionally important, informative, or engaging, making it highly recommended for a particular audience. It often implies that the content provides significant value or insight.