really must

USAGE SUMMARY

'really must' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to express something that is necessary or of utmost importance. For example: "We really must finish this project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I really must go now.

The New Yorker

"He really must be popular".

The New York Times

It really must be spring.

The New York Times - Arts

But I really must.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You really must see it".

The New Yorker

Rock really must have changed.

The Guardian - Music

It really must have been some handshake.

The New Yorker

We really must do it this time".

Independent

And, really, must they wear kilts?

The New York Times - Arts

"I really must go back," she said.

The New Yorker

"We really must try to simplify things".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really must" to convey a sense of urgency or strong obligation in your writing. It's more emphatic than simply saying "must".

Common error

Avoid using "really must" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "need to" or "have to" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really must" functions as a modal expression indicating a strong obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it amplifies the basic meaning of "must", adding emphasis to the speaker's or writer's sense of duty or requirement. It can be used in a declarative or interrogative form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really must" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong sense of obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and common in written English. While it leans toward a neutral register, it’s more emphatic than a simple "must". When writing, use it to convey urgency but avoid overusing it in informal contexts. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian shows its utility in news and media for conveying important information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely have to

Emphasizes the absolute necessity of an action.

definitely need to

Indicates a strong need or requirement.

certainly should

Suggests a firm recommendation or expectation.

undoubtedly ought to

Expresses a high degree of obligation or advisability.

genuinely have got to

Highlights the genuine need to perform an action.

seriously need to

Indicates a pressing need or urgency.

truly required to

Formally states a requirement or obligation.

honestly should

Adds a sense of sincerity to the recommendation.

positively must

Emphasizes the positive necessity of an action.

in fact required to

Emphasizes the factual requirement of an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "really must" to express a strong sense of obligation or necessity. For example, "I really must finish this report by tomorrow" or "We really must address this issue immediately".

What are some alternatives to "really must"?

Alternatives include "absolutely have to", "definitely need to", or "certainly should", depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "really must" formal or informal?

"Really must" falls somewhere in the middle. While acceptable in many contexts, it leans slightly toward the formal side. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

What is the difference between "really must" and simply saying "must"?

The addition of "really" intensifies the sense of obligation or necessity. "Really must" conveys a stronger feeling that something is important and needs to be done without delay. It is an emphatic form of "must".