as it needs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it needs" is not standard in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that something should be done according to its requirements or necessities, but it is better to use a more established phrase. Example: "The project will be completed as it needs, ensuring all specifications are met."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just don't think its as meaningful as it needs to be.

The New Yorker

Our economy isn't as healthy as it needs to be.

The New York Times

Not as funny as it needs to be (1 30).

The New York Times

As much time as it needs, I'm ready for it".

The New York Times - Sports

The bureau should be given such time as it needs.

The Washington Post

It's basically twice as big as it needs to be.

The Washington Post

Maybe this argument from simplicity isn't really as good as it needs to be.

Yale University

A conversation started from one question should go on as long as it needs to.

Stanford University

doesn't run as often as it needs to in order to keep the GPU "fed".

University of California, Berkeley

Swamped by this huge docket, no state court system now delivers justice as it needs to.

The New York Times

Some optimistically reckon that's as high as it needs to go.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "as necessary" or "as required" to enhance clarity and formality in professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as it needs" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Over-reliance can stem from lazy writing and vagueness, but consider the use of specific and concise terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it needs" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or duration to which something is required or necessary. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, showing its adaptability in conveying conditions of necessity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it needs" functions as an adverbial phrase to indicate the extent or duration required for something, and while widely used, it can sometimes lack precision. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, while acceptable, it may benefit from stronger, clearer alternatives such as "as necessary" or "as required" in more formal settings. Its neutral register and common usage across various contexts make it a versatile phrase, but writers should ensure clarity and avoid overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as necessary

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the requirement for something to occur.

as required

This alternative is more formal and stresses that something is officially needed.

as appropriate

This alternative focuses on suitability and whether something is fitting for the situation.

as demanded

This alternative emphasizes that a need is being actively expressed or insisted upon.

to the extent necessary

This alternative explicitly indicates a limitation based on what is needed.

for as long as necessary

This alternative focuses on the duration of something being needed.

to the degree required

This alternative suggests a specific level or amount that is needed.

as the situation warrants

This alternative implies that the need is determined by the current circumstances.

when the need arises

This alternative focuses on the timing of the need, suggesting it will be addressed when it becomes apparent.

subject to necessity

This alternative conveys that actions are conditional upon a demonstrable need.

FAQs

How can I use "as it needs" in a sentence?

You can use "as it needs" to indicate that something should be done to the extent necessary or for the duration required. For example, "The bureau should be given such time "as it needs"."

What can I say instead of "as it needs"?

You can use alternatives like "as necessary", "as required", or "as appropriate" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as it needs"?

The phrase "as it needs" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something should be done according to its requirements or necessities. However, using more specific language is often preferable.

Is "as it needs" more formal or informal?

The phrase "as it needs" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it may be perceived as slightly less formal than "as required" or "as necessary".