all that is needed

USAGE SUMMARY

"all that is needed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is required for a certain situation. For example, "All that is needed is a little effort and we can solve this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

ALL that is needed for evil to prosper is that good men do nothing.

The Economist

To lighten it, all that is needed is a whisk.

The New York Times - Food

All that is needed now is a slogan.

The Economist

All that is needed are three small but significant changes.

The New York Times

All that is needed is an Internet connection.

The New York Times

All that is needed to complete the project, however, is $20 million.

The New York Times

For those, all that is needed is final installation of extra equipment, including set-top boxes.

The New York Times

All that is needed now is for Mr. Steel to get the company back onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

All that is needed is to give the fans a halfway decent product.

The New York Times

All that is needed is a certificate of occupancy from the Town of North Hempstead.

The New York Times

All that is needed is your��national insurance number and date of birth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing but try to maintain consistency in tone.

Common error

A common error is using incorrect verb conjugation after "all that is needed". Ensure the verb agrees with the subject. For example, use 'all that is needed is' (singular) instead of 'all that is needed are' when referring to a singular item.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that is needed" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the minimum requirements or conditions necessary for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all that is needed" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the minimum requirements for a specific situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, focus on clear context and correct verb conjugation. Alternatives such as "what is required" offer stylistic variations. By following best practices, you can effectively use this phrase to convey essential conditions and simplify complex requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is required

Changes the phrasing to a more direct and concise statement.

what's necessary

Uses a contraction and a synonym for "needed" for a slightly more informal tone.

the only requirement is

Emphasizes that there is only one condition to be met.

the sole necessity is

Highlights the singular and essential nature of the requirement.

that's all it takes

Offers a more concise and idiomatic alternative.

that's sufficient

Focuses on the adequacy of a particular action or item.

the key thing is

Shifts the focus to the most important element.

the essential thing is

Stresses the fundamental and indispensable nature of the element.

merely requires

Emphasizes the simplicity and ease of the requirement.

only demands

Highlights the minimal expectation or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "all that is needed" in a sentence?

You can use "all that is needed" to indicate the minimum requirement for a specific outcome. For example, "All that is needed is a little patience." or "All that is needed is your national insurance number and date of birth".

What are some alternatives to "all that is needed"?

You can use alternatives like "what is required", "what's necessary", or "the only requirement is" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "all that are needed"?

While it might sound correct in some contexts, "all that is needed" is generally preferred when referring to a singular, collective, or uncountable noun. "All that are needed" is more appropriate when referring to multiple distinct items.

What's the difference between "all that is needed" and "all that is required"?

While both phrases are very similar, "all that is needed" implies a necessity, whereas "all that is required" suggests a formal stipulation. In most contexts, they are interchangeable, but "all that is required" might be more suitable in formal or legal settings.