there must be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there must be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest something, usually in a context of possibility or necessity. For example: "There must be something we can do to fix this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There must be room.

The New York Times - Arts

There must be others".

The New Yorker

There must be accountability".

The New York Times

There must be something.

The New York Times

There must be a limit.

The New York Times

There must be a few.

The Guardian

"There must be a loophole".

The New York Times

Yet there must be limits.

Independent

There must be big problems!

The New York Times

There must be something else".

The New Yorker

There must be some way.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there must be" to express a logical deduction or a strong belief based on available evidence. For example, "Given the circumstances, there must be a reason for his absence."

Common error

While "there must be" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts where more direct and assertive language is preferred. Instead of "There must be improvements in efficiency", consider "Efficiency improvements are necessary."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there must be" functions primarily as an existential construction combined with a modal verb. It introduces the existence of something with an implication of necessity, probability, or logical deduction. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is commonly found across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there must be" is a versatile construction used to express necessity, possibility, or logical deduction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various domains, predominantly in news and media. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, writers should be mindful of overuse in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "it is necessary that there be" for enhanced precision. The frequency and distribution across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its relevance in contemporary English. Keep in mind its function to indicate logical conclusion, strong possibility, or necessity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is necessary that there be

This alternative directly states the requirement for something to exist.

it is essential that there be

This alternative highlights the critical importance of something being present.

there has to be

This alternative provides a more informal way to express necessity.

it is imperative that there be

This alternative emphasizes the necessity of something existing or happening.

there is bound to be

This expresses an expectation or high probability of something existing.

it is logically required that there be

This alternative emphasizes a deduction based on reasoning.

surely there is

This expresses confidence in the existence of something.

it stands to reason that there is

This suggests that something is likely based on available evidence.

undoubtedly there is

This conveys a strong assertion about the presence of something.

it is predictable that there is

This suggests that something can be anticipated with a high degree of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "there must be" in a sentence?

Use "there must be" to indicate a logical conclusion, a strong possibility, or a necessity. For example, "If the door is locked, "there must be" another way in".

What are some alternatives to "there must be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it is necessary that there be", "it is essential that there be", or "it is necessary that there be".

Is it correct to say "there has to be" instead of "there must be"?

Yes, "there has to be" is a more informal alternative to "there must be" and is perfectly acceptable in many contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "there must be" and "surely there is"?

"There must be" indicates a logical deduction or necessity, while "surely there is" expresses confidence or surprise in the existence of something. "There must be a mistake" implies a deduction, while "Surely there is a better way!" conveys surprise.