a lot needs

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lot needs" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when something requires a lot of effort to complete. For example: "A lot needs to be done if we are going to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A lot needs to be done".

Independent

"A lot needs to change for us to go forward.

The Guardian - Sport

But a lot needs to happen in the next seven years.

The New York Times

"A lot needs to be changed," said General Fakih, the instructor.

The New York Times

BUT Mr. Tabaza said "a lot needs to be done on the people side".

The New York Times

Martin said: "A lot needs to be done in terms of [traditional unions'] digital capacity".

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The study started in a context where a lot needed to be changed.

BMC Health Services Research

Some people need a lot, some need a little.

WikiHow

But I don't have a lot of needs.

The New Yorker

There's still a lot that needs to be done.

Independent

"It's not a lot that needs doing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lot needs" to introduce the need for extensive action or change. It can effectively set the stage for outlining specific requirements or improvements. For example, "A lot needs to happen before we can launch the product successfully".

Common error

While "a lot needs" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be preferable. Consider alternatives like "significant improvements are necessary" or "extensive work is required" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lot needs" typically functions as an introductory element or a clause starter in a sentence. It introduces the idea that significant effort or changes are necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lot needs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signals the necessity for considerable action or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and business environments. While generally acceptable, it's essential to consider the formality of the context and opt for more precise language in highly formal settings. Alternatives such as "much is required" or "extensive work is necessary" can offer a more sophisticated tone. The phrase's communicative purpose is to set the stage for detailing specific requirements or areas needing improvement. While "a lot needs" is versatile, awareness of register and audience is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much is required

Replaces "a lot" with "much" and uses a passive construction.

much remains to be done

Similar in structure, but emphasizes the continuation of effort.

extensive work is necessary

Emphasizes the scale of the effort using "extensive work".

considerable effort is needed

Highlights the effort involved, employing "considerable effort".

significant changes are required

Focuses on the necessity of change using "significant changes".

further action is essential

Emphasizes the importance of additional actions.

substantial improvements are necessary

Specific to improvements, using "substantial improvements" to denote magnitude.

there's more to accomplish

Highlights the need for further achievements.

there's still ground to cover

Expresses remaining tasks metaphorically, implying more work.

considerable progress remains

Focuses on the progress still required.

FAQs

How can I use "a lot needs" in a sentence?

Use "a lot needs" to indicate that substantial effort, change, or action is required to achieve a specific goal or improve a situation. For instance, "A lot needs to be done to improve our customer service." or "A lot needs to change before the project can succeed.

What are some alternatives to "a lot needs"?

Alternatives include phrases like "much is required", "extensive work is necessary", or "significant changes are required". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a lot needs to be done"?

Yes, "a lot needs to be done" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to express that substantial effort is required to complete a task or improve a situation.

What's the difference between "a lot needs to be done" and "much needs to be done"?

Both phrases are similar in meaning. "Much needs to be done" might be considered slightly more formal, but the difference is subtle. "A lot" is generally more common in everyday speech.