23 Other Ways to Say “It Is a Must”

Saying “It is a must” indicates that something is highly recommended or absolutely necessary.

There are numerous alternative phrases to express this sentiment, which can be adjusted to better suit different contexts, levels of urgency, or formality.

Below are 23 alternative ways to communicate the idea of something being a must, each with an example sentence and an explanation for clarity on how to use these variations effectively.

Expressing Necessity

1. It’s imperative
   • Example: “Given the risks involved, it’s imperative that we update our security protocols.”
   • Explanation: ‘It’s imperative’ denotes that there is a pressing need for an action, implying it is critical.
2. It’s essential
   • Example: “For a healthy diet, it’s essential to include a variety of fruits and vegetables.”
   • Explanation: This phrase communicates that something is fundamentally necessary or important.
3. It’s compulsory
   • Example: “Attendance at the safety training session is compulsory for all new employees.”
   • Explanation: ‘It’s compulsory’ indicates that something is required by rules or regulations.
4. It’s required
   • Example: “Bringing your ID to the exam is required to gain entrance to the test center.”
   • Explanation: This wording makes clear that something is a condition that must be met.
5. It’s non-negotiable
   • Example: “Adhering to the client’s deadlines is non-negotiable.”
   • Explanation: This term means there’s no room for bargaining; the action or condition must be fulfilled.

Strong Recommendations

6. It’s critical
   • Example: “Getting vaccinated is critical to preventing the spread of the illness.”
   • Explanation: Conveys that something is of utmost importance and should be given immediate attention.
7. It’s paramount
   • Example: “Protecting user data is paramount for maintaining trust in our services.”
   • Explanation: Indicates that something is of the highest importance or priority.
8. It’s a prerequisite
   • Example: “A strong understanding of math is a prerequisite for the advanced engineering course.”
   • Explanation: Implies that something is a required prior condition for something else.
9. It is obligatory
   • Example: “Wearing uniforms while on duty is obligatory for all staff members.”
   • Explanation: Signifies that something is mandated or demanded, implying an obligation.
10. It’s fundamental
    • Example: “Regular exercise is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle.”
    • Explanation: Expresses that something is a basic and essential part of a larger concept or practice.

Highlighting Urgency

11. It’s urgent
    • Example: “It’s urgent that we address these customer complaints before they escalate.”
    • Explanation: This indicates that a matter requires immediate action due to pressing circumstances.
12. It’s vital
    • Example: “Staying hydrated in extreme heat is vital to avoid heatstroke.”
    • Explanation: Communicates that something is absolutely necessary for the preservation of life or health.
13. It’s a top priority
    • Example: “Ensuring the safety of our attendees is a top priority at the event.”
    • Explanation: This phrase places something at the highest level of importance on a list or scale of priorities.
14. It cannot be overlooked
    • Example: “Accurate data analysis cannot be overlooked if we want to make informed decisions.”
    • Explanation: Stresses that something is too important to ignore or skip.
15. It’s a condition sine qua non
    • Example: “Having the right qualifications is a condition sine qua non for this job.”
    • Explanation: A more sophisticated and formal way to indicate something is an indispensable condition.

Indicating Importance

16. It’s a necessity
    • Example: “A functional website is a necessity for any modern business.”
    • Explanation: Declares that something is an unavoidable requirement or need.
17. It holds great importance
    • Example: “Timely communication with the team holds great importance for project success.”
    • Explanation: This indicates that something is to be valued and treated with a great deal of care.
18. It’s indispensable
    • Example: “Having the right attitude is indispensable for achieving success in this field.”
    • Explanation: Used to express that something is absolutely necessary or too important to do without.
19. It’s a key requirement
    • Example: “Fluency in multiple languages is a key requirement for the diplomatic service.”
    • Explanation: Expresses that something is a major or critical need within a set of conditions or requirements.
20. It’s mandatory
    • Example: “Filing a tax return is mandatory if you have earned income during the year.”
    • Explanation: Clearly states that something is required by law, policy, or rules.

Affirmative Assertions

21. There’s no alternative
    • Example: “When it comes to safety, there’s no alternative to following the established protocols.”
    • Explanation: Implies that no other options are acceptable; the stated course of action is the only one to pursue.
22. It’s a given
    • Example: “In this industry, working long hours is just a given.”
    • Explanation: Suggests that something is so fundamental or expected that it should be automatically understood or assumed.
23. It’s a baseline
    • Example: “Regular attendance is a baseline for considering any employee for promotion.”
    • Explanation: Used to indicate that something is a minimum or starting point requirement.

Choosing the right alternative to “It is a must” helps to communicate the urgency or necessity of an action clearly and with the appropriate degree of formality or emphasis.

These phrases provide options for ensuring that recipients understand the importance or obligatory nature of a situation.