we absolutely must

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we absolutely must" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong necessity or urgency regarding an action that needs to be taken. Example: "In order to meet the deadline, we absolutely must finalize the report by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

We absolutely must diversify.

The Guardian

We absolutely must fulfill our obligations under the Extradition Act.

The Guardian

We could – if we absolutely must – cleave to each other until the first week of January.

The Guardian - Books

We absolutely must not be a conduit for the transfer of information between teams that they would not want transferred.

The New York Times - Sports

The good news – and we absolutely must end on good news otherwise what hope does mankind have?

The Guardian - Music

We absolutely must lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, harness the power of clean energy, and increase our energy efficiency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But many critics say charging tolls in Texas has shifted from an if-we-absolutely-must option to the default approach for major road projects.

The New York Times

We ask that you do not unwrap any hard candies during tonight's performance, but if you absolutely must, we encourage you to do so during the throwaway song in Act Two.

The New Yorker

Women are bombarded by bossy and contradictory diktats about what we definitely must or absolutely must not do with our reproductive organs, while companies such as Facebook offer egg-freezing as an employee perk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So we can hardly call it sex, although we can - in fact, absolutely must - call it an act.

The Guardian

You can microwave your bacon if you absolutely must, but we really wish you wouldn't.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the impact of the phrase to reinforce critical points or calls to action. It should not be overused, or it might lose its impact.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "we absolutely must", as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language to maintain the tone and emphasize critical points effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we absolutely must" functions as a modal expression of strong obligation or necessity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to emphasize that a certain action is not just advisable, but essential. It serves to reinforce the importance of the action in question.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we absolutely must" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of obligation or necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, predominantly in news, formal business communications, and scientific discussions. While it is crucial to use this phrase judiciously to maintain its impact, understanding its function and purpose allows for more effective and persuasive communication. The related phrases such as "we really must" or "it is imperative that we" offer alternatives that adjust the level of emphasis based on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we really must

Replaces "absolutely" with "really", softening the emphasis slightly.

we definitely must

Substitutes "absolutely" with "definitely", providing a more conversational tone.

we certainly must

Employs "certainly" instead of "absolutely", offering a slightly more formal feel.

it is imperative that we

Uses a more formal structure to express strong necessity.

it's essential that we

Emphasizes the essential nature of the action.

we have to

Simplifies the phrase, reducing the level of emphasis.

we need to

Offers a less forceful alternative, focusing on need rather than obligation.

we are obligated to

Highlights a sense of duty or requirement.

we are required to

Indicates a more formal or legal requirement.

we should

Suggests a recommendation rather than a strict necessity.

FAQs

How to use "we absolutely must" in a sentence?

Use "we absolutely must" to emphasize the critical importance of a particular action. For example, "To meet the deadline, "we absolutely must" finalize the report by Friday."

What can I say instead of "we absolutely must"?

You can use alternatives like "we really must", "it is imperative that we", or "we have to" depending on the context.

Is "we absolutely must" formal or informal?

"We absolutely must" is generally considered neutral to formal. While emphatic, it is suitable for both professional and general communication when expressing a strong necessity.

What's the difference between "we absolutely must" and "we should"?

"We absolutely must" implies a strong obligation or requirement, while "we should" suggests a recommendation or advice. The former indicates a higher degree of necessity.