he needs to be given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he needs to be given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone requires something to be provided or granted to them. Example: "In order for him to succeed, he needs to be given the right tools and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But he needs to be given time, and not shifted up and down the order".

The Guardian - Sport

To succeed, he needs to be given freedom to jump the snap and shoot gaps.

The New York Times

He's only 18 and he needs to be given time to grow up and to gain experience.

Independent

Whatever that may be, he needs to be given as much positive news and encouragement as possible right now.

The Guardian - Sport

He needs to be, given the difficulties he faces in pushing the free-trade agenda of the Bush administration.

The New York Times

Karzai argues that he needs to be given control of anti-corruption efforts, in the name of Afghan sovereignty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But first he needed to be given a chance to succeed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lewis was eventually allowed to leave the hospital on January 15 although he still needs to be given oxygen full-time.

The Guardian

"Benítez is not the problem, Benítez is the solution... he just needs to be given time," Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez insisted.

The Guardian - Sport

He's a manager who needs to be given time to build a team, but he would be an excellent appointment.

BBC

But they need to be given reasons to stay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he needs to be given" when emphasizing the necessity of providing something to someone for their development, success, or well-being. Ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be provided.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "he needs to be given" as it can make your writing sound less direct and less engaging. Sometimes, an active voice construction such as "someone needs to give him" can be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he needs to be given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone requires something to be provided. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, emphasizing the necessity of external provision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he needs to be given" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express the necessity of providing something to someone. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While generally accepted, overuse of passive voice should be avoided for clarity and impact. Alternatives like "he requires to receive" can offer a more direct tone. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing the need for external support or resources to facilitate someone's progress. The phrase is versatile, but awareness of its potential for passive voice overuse is crucial for effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he requires to receive

Replaces the passive voice with a more direct action, focusing on the act of receiving.

he should be provided with

Suggests that provision is the appropriate action.

he ought to be granted

Conveys a sense of obligation or expectation for something to be given.

it is essential that he receive

Underlines the importance of him receiving something.

he is in need of being given

Highlights the person's need as the primary reason for the action.

he must be furnished with

A more formal way to say he must be provided with something.

he is deserving of being given

Emphasizes the person's worthiness to receive something.

it is necessary to give him

Shifts the focus to the necessity of providing something to him.

he merits being given

Similar to 'deserving', but with a slightly more formal tone.

he is entitled to be given

Implies a right or claim to receive something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he needs to be given" to sound more active?

Consider using active voice constructions such as "someone must give him", "it's essential to provide him", or "he requires someone to give him" for a more direct tone. Each alternative shifts the focus to the giver rather than the receiver.

What's the difference between "he needs to be given" and "he needs to receive"?

"He needs to be given" implies an external agent is required to provide something, whereas "he needs to receive" simply states the necessity of him getting something, without specifying the source. You can use alternatives like "he requires to receive".

In what situations is it best to use "he needs to be given"?

This phrase is useful when emphasizing the requirement for someone to provide something, whether it's opportunity, support, or resources. It highlights the necessity of external action to facilitate his progress or success. You can use alternatives like "it is necessary to give him".

Are there any formal alternatives to "he needs to be given"?

Yes, more formal options include "he ought to be granted", "he should be furnished with", or "it is essential that he receive". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic writing where a higher degree of formality is desired. Consider alternatives such as "he ought to be granted" or "he must be furnished with".