what must be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what must be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about something that must happen or exist in order to maintain a certain status quo. For example, "What must be done in order to ensure our success?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What must be in the proposals?

Independent

What must be will be".

The New York Times - Sports

Here is what must be learned.

The New York Times - Arts

"Everyone knows what must be done.

The New York Times

That is precisely what must be raised".

The New York Times

What must be the state of his arteries?

The New York Times - Books

"What must be done at this point?" the interviewer asked.

The New York Times

Knowing what must be done, and doing it.

The New Yorker

What must be secret cannot be fully democratic.

The Economist

But that is precisely what must be done.

The Economist

More are planned.Ideas abound on what must be done.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what must be" to emphasize the necessity or inevitability of a situation or action. This construction often adds a sense of formality or importance to your writing. For example, consider "What must be done to address climate change?" to highlight the urgency and importance of taking action.

Common error

While "what must be" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "what's needed" or "what has to happen" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what must be" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates something that is necessary, required, or inevitable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what must be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun clause that indicates necessity, obligation, or inevitability. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While predominantly neutral to formal in tone, writers should consider context to avoid overuse in casual communication. Alternatives such as "what is necessary" or "what is required" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Therefore, understanding the core meaning and the context of usage is key to employing "what must be" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is necessary

Focuses on the necessity of something rather than its inevitable nature.

what is required

Emphasizes a need based on a requirement or condition.

what is inevitable

Highlights the unavoidable nature of something.

that which is essential

Stresses the fundamental importance of something.

the necessary course of action

Specifies that something is a required action to take.

the only option

Implies that something is the only possibility, indicating a lack of alternatives.

the unavoidable outcome

Highlights that the result is not able to be avoided.

the only way forward

Indicates a singular path or method that is required to make progress.

what is predetermined

Focuses on the idea that something's already defined and set.

the only solution

Indicates that something is the single way to solve a problem.

FAQs

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

Use "what must be" to introduce a necessary action, condition, or state. For example, "What must be done to improve education?" or "That is "what must be" considered carefully."

What are some alternatives to "what must be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "what is necessary", "what is required", or "what is inevitable" instead of "what must be".

Is it correct to say "that's what must be"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "that's what must be" indicates acceptance of a situation or an understanding of a necessity. For example, "If it has to happen, that's "what must be"."

What's the difference between "what must be" and "what should be"?

"What must be" implies a stronger sense of necessity or inevitability, whereas "what should be" suggests a recommendation or ideal state. For example, "What must be done is non-negotiable, but "what should be" is more aspirational."