Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
doing what's needed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
fulfilling requirements
meeting the demands
satisfying criteria
executing duties
performing tasks
observing regulations
meeting the criteria
playing requirements
completion requirements
implement requirements
satisfying requirements
substantial requirements
satisfy requirements
implementing requirements
fulfilling friends
fulfil requirements
unfulfilled requirements
meeting stipulations
conforming to specifications
completing qualifications
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
On whether government regulators are doing what's needed: People will question, say, the bailout of Bear Stearns, and that is a very important part of our process in the U. S. action is taken and we self-examine.
News & Media
"He's doing what's needed, and he's having to fight some of his own people to do it".
News & Media
"If you're not doing what's needed of you, it has to be addressed," Messier said.
News & Media
"The most important thing is to stop arguing about what is or is not possible and to get on with doing what's needed".
News & Media
PAGE 27 PAUL KRUGMAN The financial crisis has now spread to emerging markets, and policy makers still aren't doing what's needed.
News & Media
Doing what's needed to remain compliant and keep our jobs?
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
If it says, "I need someone else to make it easier for me, someone to make me do what's needed". that's what's keeping you from being successful.
News & Media
We do what's needed, where it's needed most.
News & Media
"We will do what's needed - it's as simple as that - and I'm very clear on what's required, and expected, from both councillors and officers across the council.
News & Media
It's simple, affordable and just does what's needed, an appealing alternative for individuals who prefer not to pay hundreds for an iDevice.
News & Media
"But the caveat here is if the people in charge of it actually do what's needed to be done, and if it's not pissed away on studies and stuff that's unrelated to recovery".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing for highly formal academic journals, expand the contraction to "doing what is needed" to maintain professional standards.
Common error
Avoid using "doing what's needed" as a vague placeholder. Ensure that the preceding or following text clearly defines the specific requirements to avoid leaving the reader guessing.
Source & Trust
90%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
As noted in Ludwig, "doing what's needed" acts as a gerund phrase that can function as a subject, object, or part of a predicate. It centers on the action of fulfilling an unspecified requirement defined by the context.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Science
8%
Academia
5%
Less common in
Wiki
1%
Formal & Business
0.7%
Social Media
0.3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "doing what's needed" is a versatile and correct phrase widely used in high-quality English writing to denote practical action. Ludwig AI shows that it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, where it serves to describe institutional or individual problem-solving. While the contraction "what's" makes it slightly less formal, the core structure is robust enough for most professional communications. For the highest levels of formality, writers should consider expanding the contraction or using synonyms like "taking the necessary steps".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
doing what is required
removes the contraction for a more formal tone suitable for academic writing
performing what is necessary
replaces "doing" with a more formal verb for professional contexts
taking necessary action
emphasizes the proactive nature of the response
doing what is essential
substitutes "needed" with "essential" to imply higher urgency
carrying out required actions
focuses on the process of implementation
undertaking what is needed
suggests the start of a project or a larger commitment
fulfilling requirements
specifically refers to meeting established criteria or standards
addressing the necessities
shifts focus to the specific needs being met
executing essential tasks
uses more technical business terminology
meeting the demands
implies external pressure or specific situational requirements
FAQs
Is it okay to use "doing what's needed" in a business report?
Yes, it is common in business media, but you might prefer a more precise alternative like "taking necessary action" for formal reports.
What is the difference between "doing what's needed" and "doing what's required"?
While similar, "doing what's required" often implies external mandates or rules, whereas "doing what's needed" leans toward practical necessity.
Can I replace "doing what's needed" with "doing what is necessary"?
Absolutely. "doing what is necessary" is more formal and is frequently found in legal or scientific documents.
Is "doing what's needed" grammatically correct?
Yes, it is a standard gerund phrase. In Ludwig examples, it is frequently used by authoritative sources like the BBC and The New York Times.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
90%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested