we must know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we must know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of acquiring certain information or knowledge. Example: "In order to make informed decisions, we must know the potential risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We must know.

The Economist

For we must know Kafka.

The New York Times - Books

To feel, we must know.

The New Yorker

We must know their rules.

The New Yorker

We must know what is true.

The Guardian - Books

And we must know what it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

We must know where they are".

The New York Times

We must know whether he is an angel or beast.

The New Yorker

In order to control wayside noise, we must know the contribution of each noise element.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

We must know where surveillance starts and ends".

The Guardian - Tech

But first we must know what should never change.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we must know", ensure the context clearly indicates who 'we' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For broader contexts, specify the group or community for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we must know" repeatedly within close proximity in your writing. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "we need to understand" or "it's essential to learn" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we must know" functions primarily as an expression of necessity or obligation regarding the acquisition of knowledge or information. Ludwig's examples show its use in emphasizing the importance of understanding facts, rules, or causes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we must know" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses the necessity of obtaining knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure clarity by specifying who 'we' refers to and avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives like "we need to understand" or "it is essential to know". By considering its communicative purpose and register, you can effectively use "we must know" to emphasize the importance of information in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imperative that we understand

This alternative uses stronger, more formal vocabulary like 'imperative', increasing the emphasis on the need for understanding.

it's essential for us to learn

This version replaces "know" with "learn", focusing on the process of acquiring knowledge rather than possessing it.

we have to find out

This phrase uses a more informal tone and emphasizes the action of discovering information.

understanding is required of us

This alternative phrase is structured in the passive voice and focuses on the requirement for understanding.

it is vital that we are aware

This version substitutes "know" with "are aware", shifting the focus to consciousness and recognition of something.

knowledge is a necessity for us

This phrase uses a noun-based structure, emphasizing the importance of knowledge as a requirement.

we need to ascertain

This option uses the more formal verb "ascertain", implying a careful and thorough investigation.

it's crucial that we comprehend

The word "comprehend" indicates a deeper level of understanding compared to simply knowing.

our awareness is paramount

The phrase focuses on the importance of awareness, and emphasizes that 'we' as a subject have to become aware.

we must gain insight

This alternative uses "gain insight", which suggests a deeper, more intuitive understanding is needed.

FAQs

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

Use "we must know" to emphasize the necessity of obtaining specific information. For example, "Before making any decisions, "we must know" all the facts".

What are some alternatives to "we must know"?

You can use alternatives like "we need to understand", "it is essential to know", or "it is imperative that we understand" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to strongly convey the importance of acquiring knowledge or understanding something. Consider using it when the information is crucial for decision-making or further action.

Is "we must to know" grammatically correct?

No, "we must to know" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""we must know"". The modal verb "must" is always followed by the base form of the verb.