this must change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this must change" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to convey a sense of urgency and to emphasize the need for change. For example, "The education system in this country has failed its students for far too long - this must change now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This must change.

The New York Times

This must change," he added.

The New York Times

And this must change.

The New York Times

This must change, Gray said.

The Guardian

This must change," the FSF said.

The Guardian

This must change soon, economists agree.

The New York Times

"This must change, for their sake, and for ours.

The Guardian

My colleagues in Rome agreed that this must change.

The New York Times

There is now a recognition that this must change.

Independent

But if it is going to happen, this must change.

The New York Times

This must change if the benefits of recovery are to be felt by hard-working people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this must change" to clearly express a need for immediate and significant alteration, particularly when addressing problems or unsustainable situations.

Common error

Avoid using "this must change" in overly casual or informal settings where a more nuanced or collaborative tone is appropriate. Consider softer alternatives like "let's explore different approaches" or "perhaps we can adjust our strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this must change" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong necessity for alteration or reform. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and effectively conveys a sense of urgency. Examples show its use in diverse contexts demanding immediate action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this must change" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that emphatically conveys the need for alteration or reform. Ludwig AI and the real-world examples highlight its primary function as a declarative statement used to persuade or compel action. Predominantly found in news media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse, its register is generally neutral to professional. When writing, consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message, and if necessary, explore alternatives to avoid sounding overly forceful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this needs to be different

This alternative uses "needs to be different" to express the necessity of change, focusing on the state of being rather than the action.

this has to be altered

Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the alteration using "has to be", implying a strong requirement for change.

a shift is imperative

Uses a more formal tone and focuses on the necessity of a shift, rather than directly stating something must change.

this situation cannot continue

Highlights the unsustainable nature of the current situation, implying that change is necessary to prevent negative consequences.

action is required now

Shifts the focus to the need for immediate action, implying that the current state necessitates prompt intervention.

the status quo is unacceptable

Directly challenges the current state as unacceptable, implying that changes are necessary to improve the situation.

we must do things differently

Shifts the focus to a collective responsibility for change, implying a need for a different approach.

a transformation is essential

Highlights the necessity of a complete transformation, rather than just a simple change.

the present course must be corrected

Suggests that a correction is needed to get back on the right path.

immediate reform is vital

Stresses the urgency and importance of immediate reform, focusing on the need for structural or systemic changes.

FAQs

How can I use "this must change" effectively in a sentence?

Use "this must change" to emphasize the urgent need for something to be different, often after describing an undesirable situation. For example, "Our current sales strategy isn't working; "this must change" immediately."

What are some alternatives to saying "this must change"?

You can use phrases like "this needs to be different", "this has to be altered", or "a shift is imperative" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate when you want to convey a strong sense of urgency and necessity for change, especially when the current situation is unacceptable or unsustainable. This phrase is suitable for professional settings, news reports, and persuasive arguments.

Is "this must change" too strong for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "this must change" can sound forceful in casual conversations. In such contexts, consider softening the tone with alternatives like "we need to rethink this" or "maybe we should try something new".