action required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "action required" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to inform someone that a particular action is needed. For example, "The report has been submitted, but action is required to implement the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We considered a set of four properties: HM-witnessed; correct initial diagnosis; asymptomatic events; corrective action required (actionability).

Europace

Action required – Assange to be arrested under all circumstances".

The Guardian

And nowhere is action required more than in our schools.

The Guardian

It may also undermine the collective action required to protect nature.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dramatic action of the lines is related to the physical action required.

The Guardian

It would of course be very much less than the urgent action required.

The Economist

We will take all necessary action required by the outcome of this investigation.

The New York Times

Where were the urgent warnings, the urgent action required to defend this country from a pressing threat?

The Guardian

But the headlines still don't move us to action at least not to the level of action required for change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then the bill moved to the House, where quick action required permission of a two-thirds majority.

The New York Times

I found this particularly frustrating because the Belgian police did not take the sufficient positive action required.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. In formal settings, it's appropriate, but in casual communication, consider softer alternatives.

Common error

Avoid burying the agent of the action in passive constructions. Instead of "Action is required by the team", write "The team must act".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "action required" functions as a directive, indicating that something needs to be done. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase often appears in contexts where a problem needs solving or a task must be completed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "action required" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to signal the need for a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is directive, prompting action in response to a situation. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that while versatile, the phrase tends to appear in neutral to professional contexts, particularly in news, scientific and business publications. For more casual communications, softer alternatives might be more appropriate. When using "action required", clarity is key: specify what action is needed to avoid vagueness and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

action necessitated

Emphasizes that the action is not just needed, but made necessary by circumstances.

implementation needed

Focuses specifically on the need to put something into effect.

intervention needed

Highlights the necessity of stepping in to change a situation.

remedial action needed

Specifies that the action is needed to correct a problem.

corrective measures necessary

Highlights the need for specific actions to correct something.

steps to be taken

Suggests a sequence of actions is necessary.

response needed

Indicates an action is needed as a reply or reaction to something.

measures required

Highlights a formal set of actions.

attention needed

Focuses on the need for focus and care.

solution required

Focuses on the need of resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "action required" in a sentence?

You can use "action required" to indicate that a specific step or measure needs to be taken. For instance, "Immediate "intervention needed" to resolve the conflict."

What phrases are similar to "action required"?

Synonyms for "action required" include "implementation needed", "corrective measures necessary", or "attention needed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "action needed" or "action required"?

Both "action needed" and "action required" are grammatically correct, but "action required" carries a slightly more formal tone. The best choice depends on the context and audience.

What's the difference between "action required" and "actions required"?

"Action required" refers to a single, specific action that needs to be taken, while "actions required" suggests that multiple steps or measures are necessary. The choice depends on whether one action or a series of actions is needed.