can be needed

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be needed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to show the possibility or potential for something to be required or necessary in a given situation. Example: Extra staff can be needed during busy periods at the restaurant.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Kidney dialysis can be needed for weeks or months for animals that drink the sweet but highly toxic antifreeze that is released onto the street when people drain car radiators, Dr. Hohenhaus said.

The New York Times - Science

The introduction to the current (2015) edition states that "it is necessary that users of this standard be aware that further or differing requirements can be needed for individual applications".

Petrochemical Machinery Insights

Other requirements, other than the transparency one, can be needed according to the specific application that is taken into account.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Information such as the mapping population size, which can be needed to compute the QTL confidence interval (Darvasi and Soller 1997), is not directly linked to the QTL.

Rice

Of course, hard work can be needed but if you are feeling energy and positivity while you work on your song, chances are a lot of other people will tune into that as well.

Forbes

The energy is stored during the period where the solar radiation value exceeds the nominal value of the system, in such a way that this energy is released in the periods where the energy can be needed, such as transients.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This is why parents, who often have forgotten how difficult learning to drive can be, need to be aware when they choose how their children learn to drive.

Los Angeles Times

You wonder how much bread can possibly be needed on one small street.

The Guardian

Only one can should be needed.

WikiHow

Reservations, which are needed, can be obtained by calling (516) 265160516

The New York Times - Sports

The change that's needed can be overwhelming.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be needed", consider whether a more direct or forceful expression of necessity would be more appropriate depending on the context. For example, instead of "additional support can be needed", you might write "additional support is required" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be needed" excessively in situations where active voice would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "changes can be needed to the system", prefer "the system might require changes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be needed" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential necessity. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to express that something might be required under certain conditions, consistent with the Ludwig AI assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be needed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential necessity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. The phrase sees frequent use across diverse contexts such as Science, News & Media, and Wiki, indicating a generally neutral to professional register. When writing, consider whether an active construction would be more precise, and be mindful of overuse. Alternatives like "may be required" or "could be useful" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be required

Expresses a slightly stronger sense of necessity compared to "can be needed".

might be necessary

Similar in meaning, indicating a possibility of being essential or indispensable.

might become essential

Focuses on a future state where the item or action is indispensable.

could be useful

Shifts the focus to utility rather than strict necessity.

may turn out to be vital

Suggests something's importance might not be immediately obvious, but could become crucial.

may prove helpful

Similar to 'could be useful' but emphasizing the potential for assistance.

could be advantageous

Highlights the benefit or positive outcome of something being needed.

might be of assistance

More formal way of saying something could be helpful.

could come in handy

An informal way to express potential usefulness, suggesting convenience.

may have its place

Indicates that something might be useful or appropriate in certain circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "can be needed" in a sentence?

Use "can be needed" to indicate a potential requirement or necessity. For instance, "Additional resources "can be needed" during peak seasons" suggests resources might be necessary at certain times.

What can I say instead of "can be needed"?

You can use alternatives like "may be required", "might be necessary", or "could be useful" depending on the context. The best choice depends on the degree of necessity you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "can be needed" or "is needed"?

"Can be needed" indicates a possibility or potential for something to be necessary, while "is needed" states a current necessity. Choose based on whether you're describing a potential or existing requirement.

What's the difference between "can be needed" and "may be needed"?

While both express possibility, "can be needed" often suggests a broader range of circumstances where something might be necessary, whereas "may be needed" implies a more specific or likely possibility. There's a subtle difference in nuance and context.