they must

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they must" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express a sense of obligation or necessity. For example, "They must finish the report before Wednesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They must!

Independent

And restructure they must.

The Economist

They must pay".

The New York Times

But win they must.

The New York Times

They must be resisted.

The Economist

They must be annihilated".

The New Yorker

So they must choose.

The Economist

They must change.

Independent

They must be nurtured.

The Economist

They must do so.

The Economist

They must be careful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they must", consider the tone you are setting. It can sound authoritative or demanding, so adjust your wording accordingly for softer communication.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "they must" when explaining processes or giving instructions. Instead, vary your language with options like "it is advisable that they", or "they should" to provide a more nuanced and less forceful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they must" functions primarily as a modal construction expressing obligation, necessity, or logical deduction. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, reflecting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they must" is a versatile construction used to express obligation, necessity, or logical deduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across different registers. While it is common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, writers should be mindful of its potentially strong tone. Alternatives like "they should" or "they need to" can offer more nuanced ways of expressing requirements or suggestions. Using these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "they must" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have to

A more informal way of expressing necessity or obligation.

they need to

Expresses a need or requirement for their action.

it is essential that they

Highlights the necessity of their action for a particular outcome.

it's crucial that they

Underlines the critical nature of their action for success.

it's vital that they

Stresses the importance and urgency of their action.

it is imperative that they

Emphasizes the critical importance of their action.

they are required to

Suggests a rule or regulation that necessitates their action.

they are bound to

Implies a strong likelihood or certainty about their action.

they are obliged to

Indicates a formal or legal requirement.

they should

Suggests a recommendation or expectation for their action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they must" indicates a requirement or necessity. For example, "They must complete the training before starting the job" shows that completion is mandatory.

What are some alternatives to saying "they must"?

You can use alternatives like "they should", "they need to", or "they have to" depending on the level of obligation you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "they must" and "they should"?

"They must" implies a stronger obligation than "they should". "They must" indicates a necessity, while "they should" suggests a recommendation or advice.

When is it appropriate to use "they must" in writing?

Use "they must" when conveying a firm requirement, a legal obligation, or a conclusion based on strong evidence. It is suitable for contexts where the action is non-negotiable or critically important.