is needed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is needed to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to introduce a phrase that states what is necessary for a certain outcome. Example: A sense of compassion is needed to create understanding.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A car is needed to get around.

The New York Times - Travel

No license is needed to kill them.

The New York Times - Food

Urgent action is needed to overcome this.

The Guardian

Lumber is needed to build beds.

The New York Times

Growth is needed to improve living standards.

The Guardian

"But leadership is needed to make headway.

The Guardian - Sport

Reform is needed to strengthen both Houses.

The Guardian - Opinion

But more is needed to meet demand.

The New York Times

Secondly, what is needed to thrive?

The Guardian

More research is needed to confirm this.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Further research is needed to properly asses these effects.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is needed to", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what requires the action. For example, "Patience is needed to master a new skill."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions with "is needed to". Active voice often makes sentences more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Extensive testing is needed to ensure safety", consider "We need extensive testing to ensure safety."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is needed to" functions as a modal expression indicating necessity or requirement. It introduces the action or element that is essential for achieving a particular goal. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears in both academic and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is needed to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate necessity. According to Ludwig, it's frequently found in scientific, news, and academic writing, with a slightly formal tone. While the phrase itself is correct and useful, remember to avoid overuse of the passive voice for clarity and impact. Consider using alternatives like "is required for" or "is essential for" to add variety to your writing. By understanding the context and usage patterns of "is needed to", you can effectively communicate the requirements for achieving specific goals. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically introducing what is necessary for a certain outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required for

Replaces "needed" with "required", emphasizing a formal necessity.

is necessary to

Substitutes "needed" with "necessary", highlighting essentiality.

is essential for

Emphasizes the critical importance of something.

is crucial for

Highlights the decisive importance of something.

is vital for

Similar to "essential", but with a stronger emphasis on life-sustaining or critical importance.

requires

A more direct and active way of saying something is needed.

is indispensable for

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

demands

Uses a verb to indicate a need or requirement.

necessitates

Expresses that something makes a particular action or thing necessary.

calls for

Indicates a need for something in response to a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is needed to" in a sentence?

The phrase "is needed to" indicates that something is required or necessary to achieve a particular purpose. For example, "More funding "is needed to" support research efforts".

What are some alternatives to "is needed to"?

You can use alternatives such as "is required for", "is necessary to", or "is essential for" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "is needed to"?

While "is needed to" is a passive construction, using active voice can sometimes create a stronger and more direct sentence. For instance, instead of "Assistance is needed to complete the project", you could say "We need assistance to complete the project".

What's the difference between "is needed to" and "is used to"?

"Is needed to" indicates a requirement or necessity, while "is used to" describes a habitual action or familiarity. For example, "Energy is needed to solve problems" versus "I am used to drinking coffee in the morning."