something must be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something must be done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the necessity for action to address a problem or situation. Example: "The community is facing serious issues with pollution, and something must be done to improve the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something must be done.

The New York Times

And something must be done?

The New York Times

Something must be done soon.

The New Yorker

Still, something must be done.

The New Yorker

Politicians declared that something must be done.

The Economist

But something must be done.

MIT Technology Review

So Something Must Be Done.

The Guardian

Something must be done, and quickly.Oh, really?

The Economist

Something must be done to protect them.

The New York Times

Pius N'gwandu: Something must be done now.

The Guardian

So something must be done, and urgently.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something must be done" when you want to express a sense of urgency and the need for action without specifying what action should be taken. It's often used to acknowledge a problem before proposing a solution.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "something must be done" without eventually suggesting concrete steps. While it effectively highlights a problem, failing to propose solutions can make your writing seem passive or lacking in direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something must be done" functions as an expression of urgency and necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it highlights a situation requiring attention and action, without necessarily specifying the action itself. It sets the stage for further discussion or proposed solutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something must be done" is a common phrase used to express the urgent need for action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as academic writing. While versatile, overuse without suggesting specific actions can weaken its impact. Alternative phrases like "action is required" can add formality where needed. The phrase effectively acknowledges a problem and calls for a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Action is required

Emphasizes the necessity of action in a direct and concise manner.

Steps need to be taken

Highlights the need for specific actions to address a situation.

Something has to be done

Uses a more informal tone while still conveying the urgency of the situation.

We must act now

Emphasizes the immediate need for action and involves the speaker/writer.

Immediate action is imperative

Uses stronger language to stress the critical nature of the required action.

It is essential to act

Focuses on the essential nature of taking action.

A solution must be found

Highlights the necessity of finding a resolution to a problem.

This demands immediate attention

Shifts the focus to the situation requiring urgent action.

The situation requires intervention

Suggests that external involvement is necessary to resolve the issue.

It's imperative that we act

Combines urgency with a sense of obligation and inclusivity.

FAQs

How can I use "something must be done" in a sentence?

You can use "something must be done" to express the urgency of a situation and the need for action. For example, "The environmental damage is severe; something must be done to address it."

What's a more formal way to say "something must be done"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "action is required" or "steps need to be taken". These alternatives convey the same sense of necessity but with increased formality.

What can I say instead of "something must be done" to sound more proactive?

To sound more proactive, use phrases that suggest specific actions, such as "we must act now" or "a solution must be found". These options indicate a willingness to take initiative.

When is it appropriate to use "something must be done"?

It's appropriate to use "something must be done" when you want to acknowledge a problem or crisis and emphasize the need for a response, even if the specific response isn't yet determined. Consider using alternatives such as "action is required" or "steps need to be taken" in formal contexts.