we must not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we must not" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong prohibition or to indicate that something should not be done. Example: "In order to maintain a safe environment, we must not ignore the safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must not.

The Guardian

We must not stop".

Independent

We must not flinch.

Independent

We must not overcompensate".

The New York Times

We must not exaggerate.

The New York Times

We must not be enemies.

Forbes

We must not let up".

The New York Times

We must not disrespect it".

The New Yorker

"We must not relax.

The Guardian

"We must not surrender".

The New York Times

We must not waver.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we must not", ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "we must not" in casual conversations can sound overly formal or preachy. Consider using softer alternatives like "we shouldn't" or "let's not" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we must not" functions primarily as a prohibitive expression. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable. It is used to strongly advise against a certain action or behavior. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate this in contexts ranging from avoiding mistakes to preventing negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we must not" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys a strong sense of prohibition or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of contexts, from news reporting to business communication, but should be used judiciously in informal settings. The phrase's primary function is to dissuade or warn against certain actions, and its effectiveness lies in its clear and authoritative tone. While many alternatives exist, the choice depends largely on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we should not

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the imperative tone.

we cannot

Indicates an inability or impossibility rather than a prohibition.

it is imperative that we don't

Emphasizes the importance of avoiding a particular action.

we are prohibited from

Highlights a formal restriction or ban.

we ought not to

Uses "ought" to express a moral obligation or advisability against something.

we are not to

Conveys a command or instruction that something is forbidden.

under no circumstances should we

Adds strong emphasis to the prohibition, highlighting its absolute nature.

it is essential that we avoid

Focuses on the necessity of preventing a specific action or outcome.

we have a duty not to

Stresses the moral responsibility to refrain from doing something.

let us not

This is slightly more formal or literary alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "we must not" in a sentence?

Use "we must not" to express a strong prohibition or to emphasize the importance of avoiding a particular action. For example, "We must not forget the lessons of the past."

What phrases are similar to "we must not"?

Similar phrases include "we should not", "we cannot", and "we ought not to". The best alternative depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "we mustn't" the same as "we must not"?

"We mustn't" is a contraction of "we must not" and carries the same meaning. The choice between them depends on the desired level of formality. "We mustn't" is generally considered more informal.

What is the difference between "we must not" and "we do not have to"?

"We must not" indicates a prohibition, meaning something is not allowed. "We do not have to" indicates a lack of obligation, meaning something is not required but is permissible. For example, "We must not lie" means lying is forbidden, while "We do not have to attend" means attendance is optional.