we must be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we must be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express necessity or obligation regarding a state of being or action that involves a group including the speaker. Example: "In order to succeed in this project, we must be committed to our goals and work together as a team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We must be patient.

The New York Times - Arts

We must be vigilant.

The New York Times

We must be fair.

The New York Times - Books

We must be proactive".

Independent

We must be focused".

Independent

We must be more clinical.

Independent

"Therefore we must be cautious.

The New Yorker

"We must be aware that".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, we must be patient.

The New Yorker

We must be friends.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We must be flexible".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we must be", ensure that the context clearly defines the group or entity referred to by "we". This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "we must be" in overly casual or informal settings where it may sound overly formal or prescriptive. Opt for softer alternatives like "we need to be" or "let's be" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we must be" functions primarily as a modal phrase expressing obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It sets a requirement for a collective state of being, as exemplified in sentences like "We must be patient" or "We must be ready."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we must be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey obligation or necessity within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common across various contexts, especially in news, business, and formal communications. While versatile, it is best to tailor your choice of "we must be" or an alternative, based on your specific situation and target audience. Ensure clarity in defining "we" to avoid ambiguity and adjust the formality to suit the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have to be

Substitutes "must" with "have to", providing a more common and slightly less formal way to express obligation.

we need to be

Replaces "must" with "need to", indicating a requirement or necessity.

it is essential that we are

Replaces the modal verb "must" with "is essential that", emphasizing the importance of being in a certain state.

it is imperative that we are

Uses "is imperative that" to convey a stronger sense of urgency and necessity.

we are required to be

Replaces "must" with "are required to", indicating a formal obligation or requirement.

we are obliged to be

Substitutes "must" with "are obliged to", highlighting a sense of duty or moral imperative.

it's important for us to be

Uses a more descriptive phrase to emphasize the importance of being in a particular state.

we should be

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation and suggesting a recommendation.

our duty is to be

Expresses the idea of obligation through the concept of duty.

we are to be

Offers a more formal, slightly archaic way to express a command or instruction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we must be" is used to express a necessity or obligation that applies to a group, including the speaker. For example, "we must be vigilant" indicates a need for collective watchfulness.

What are some alternatives to saying "we must be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we need to be", "we have to be", or "it is essential that we are" to express a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "we must be" and "we should be"?

"We must be" expresses a stronger obligation or necessity compared to "we should be". "We should be" suggests a recommendation or advisability, while "we must be" implies a requirement or duty.

When is it appropriate to use "we must be" in writing?

Use "we must be" when conveying a sense of urgency, importance, or requirement. This phrase is suitable in formal communications, persuasive writing, or situations where collective action is crucial. However, avoid overuse in informal settings where it can sound overly assertive. For example, you could use this phrase when you mean "we must be innovative"