be necessary to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be necessary to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is required or essential. For example: "It is necessary to follow the instructions carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will be necessary to marginalize Hamas.

The New York Times

It shouldn't be necessary to label oneself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, it may be necessary to sue.

The New York Times

And it will be necessary to make difficult decisions".

The New York Times

"It will be necessary to continue to monitor developments carefully".

The New York Times

"After fifth, it will be necessary to hold her back.

The New York Times

It would be necessary to arrange a sick leave.

The New Yorker

Consequently, it may be necessary to submit several alterations.

The Guardian - Tech

So distance may be necessary to evaluate Mr. Jacobs's significance.

The New York Times

If so, what steps will be necessary to ensure this?

The New York Times

Now, it will be necessary to perform a diplomatic miracle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be necessary to", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what action is required and why it is essential. For example, "It will be necessary to gather more data before making a decision."

Common error

Avoid overly passive constructions when using "be necessary to". Instead of saying "Action X will be necessary to be done", opt for a more direct phrasing like "It will be necessary to do Action X."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be necessary to" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a condition or requirement. It introduces an action that is essential or indispensable to achieve a certain outcome. Ludwig shows this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be necessary to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is required or essential. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across varied contexts, from academic writing to news reports. While alternatives exist for conciseness or emphasis, understanding its nuances allows for precise and effective communication. Pay attention to the register and context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be required to

Uses 'required' instead of 'necessary', emphasizing obligation or rule.

be essential to

Replaces 'necessary' with 'essential', highlighting the importance.

be vital to

Emphasizes the critical importance of something.

be indispensable to

Highlights that something is absolutely essential or can't be done without.

be crucial to

Uses 'crucial' instead of 'necessary', indicating a decisive importance.

need to

A more concise and direct way of expressing necessity.

have to

Expresses obligation or requirement in a more informal way.

it is important to

Shifts the focus to the importance of the action rather than the necessity.

it is imperative to

Conveys a sense of urgency or high importance.

must

Expresses a strong obligation or necessity.

FAQs

How can I use "be necessary to" in a sentence?

Use "be necessary to" to indicate that a certain action or step is required or essential to achieve a specific outcome. For instance, "It will be necessary to review the contract carefully before signing it."

What are some alternatives to "be necessary to"?

You can use alternatives such as "be required to", "be essential to", or "need to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "be necessary to" or a more direct phrasing?

While "be necessary to" is grammatically correct, consider using more direct phrasing like "must" or "have to" for conciseness, especially in informal contexts. In formal writing, "be necessary to" can add a degree of formality and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "be necessary to"?

Use "be necessary to" when you want to emphasize the importance or requirement of a particular action. It's suitable for formal writing, instructions, and situations where clarity and precision are crucial.