this must be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this must be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong belief or assumption about a situation or object based on available evidence or reasoning. Example: "Given the circumstances, this must be the best solution we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This must be correct.

The Economist

This must be real.

The New York Times

This must be rectified.

The New York Times

"This must be expected".

The New York Times - Sports

This must be stressed.

Independent

This must be demonstrated".

Independent

This must be Magdagachi.

The New Yorker

"This must be new.

The New York Times - Sports

This must be stopped".

The New York Times

This must be done today".

The New York Times

This must be someone's fault.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this must be" to express a deduction, ensure the evidence supporting your conclusion is clear to the reader. Providing context enhances the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this must be" when expressing pure speculation without any supporting evidence. Opt for phrases like "this might be" or "this could be" to indicate uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this must be" is to express a strong deduction, inference, or identification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey a belief based on available evidence or reasoning, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this must be" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong belief, deduction, or identification based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science. While "this must be" is generally appropriate, avoid overuse in speculative contexts lacking supporting evidence. Alternatives like "it has to be" or "it should be" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has to be

Replaces "must" with "has to", implying obligation or necessity but also deduction.

it is certainly

Replaces the modal verb construction with an adverb of certainty.

it is undoubtedly

Similar to "it is certainly", this emphasizes the lack of doubt.

it can only be

Implies a process of elimination, arriving at the only possible conclusion.

it should be

Substitutes "must" with "should", suggesting a logical expectation or probable conclusion rather than certainty.

it is logically

Emphasizes the logical aspect of the conclusion.

i am sure it is

Shifts the emphasis to the speaker's certainty, rather than an inherent quality of the situation.

i am convinced it is

Similar to "I am sure it is", but expresses a deeper level of belief.

it is evident that

Indicates that the conclusion is based on clear and obvious evidence.

it is reasonable to assume

Introduces a level of formality and emphasizes the rationality behind the assumption.

FAQs

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

Use "this must be" to express a strong inference or deduction based on available information. For example, "Given the clues, "this must be" the culprit."

What phrases are similar to "this must be"?

Alternatives include "it has to be", "it should be", or "it is certainly", each carrying slightly different nuances of certainty and deduction.

When is it appropriate to use "this must be"?

It's appropriate when you have strong evidence or a logical reason to believe something is true. Avoid using it when you're merely speculating.

What's the difference between "this must be" and "this might be"?

"This must be" indicates a high degree of certainty, while "this might be" suggests possibility or uncertainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your level of confidence.