you must not

USAGE SUMMARY

"you must not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an instruction, obligation or prohibition. For example: "You must not forget to lock the door when you leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You must not negotiate.

The New York Times

You must not blame yourself.

The New Yorker

You must not dodge it, you must not duck it".

The Guardian

You must not go upstairs.

The Guardian - Books

You must not mention it again.

The New Yorker

"You must not change the foot bed.

The New Yorker

'You must not cry now,' Coco said.

The New York Times

You — you must not smile, Hedley!

The New Yorker

You must not tell the coca-goons".

The New York Times - Magazine

You must not let them do it!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You must not stop.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing guidance or instructions, use "you must not" to outline critical errors or actions that could lead to negative consequences, helping readers understand potential pitfalls.

Common error

Avoid using "you must not" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even harsh. Opt for softer alternatives like "you shouldn't" or "it's best not to" to maintain a friendly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you must not" functions primarily as a prohibition or a strong negative obligation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in conveying rules, warnings, or firm recommendations against certain actions, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you must not" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a strong prohibition or negative obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and general contexts. While it effectively conveys a sense of authority and is useful in setting boundaries, be mindful of its relatively formal tone and consider softer alternatives such as "you should not" or "it is not recommended that you" in more informal settings. Use "you must not" to ensure clarity and prevent undesirable actions while maintaining appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you mustn't

Contracted form of "you must not", slightly less formal.

you should not

Replaces "must" with "should", indicating a weaker obligation.

you are not allowed to

Focuses on permission rather than obligation.

you are forbidden to

Implies a stricter, more formal prohibition.

it is imperative that you don't

Emphasizes the importance of avoiding something.

do not

A more direct and concise command.

under no circumstances should you

Highlights the absolute nature of the prohibition.

you are required not to

Stresses a formal or legal requirement to avoid something.

it is essential that you refrain from

Emphasizes the necessity of abstaining from an action.

avoid

A more general recommendation to stay away from something.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "you must not"?

"You must not" is appropriate when giving strong prohibitions, commands, or warnings. It indicates that something is essential to avoid. For softer recommendations, consider alternatives like "you should not" or "it is not recommended that you".

What are some alternatives to "you must not"?

Alternatives to "you must not" include phrases such as "you should not", "you are not allowed to", or simply "do not". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

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

Yes, "you mustn't" is the contracted form of "you must not" and carries the same meaning. The choice between the two often depends on the desired level of formality. "You mustn't" is slightly less formal than "you must not".

How can I make my writing sound less harsh when using "you must not"?

To soften the tone of "you must not", consider adding explanatory context or providing a rationale. For instance, instead of saying "You must not touch the equipment", try "You must not touch the equipment, as it is sensitive and may break."