is to need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to need" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a specific context where it is part of a larger structure, but it is not commonly used on its own. Example: "The main reason for the project is to need more resources for development."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

To be a great tennis player is to need a rival.

The New York Times - Magazine

Luke's only mistake is to need a wee right at the wrong moment.

The Guardian

(Already, we should recognise how strange it is to need two different kinds of rings).

The Guardian - Opinion

The aim is to need far fewer women to determine whether a drug works, and to get answers more quickly.

The New York Times - Health

To be a Lions forward or a boshing midfielder – two of England's traditional strengths – is to need longer to recover, perhaps, than some of the playmaking positions.

The Guardian - Sport

Just before Mike is brought on the air, Hendrie has Dannger liken Matthew Perry to Bob Dylan and then ratchets up the comparison one more click: "You don't know what it is to need to do drugs; ask Judy Garland.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He is going to need them.

The Economist

It is unlikely to need it.

The Economist

Your victim is going to need it!

WikiHow

"It's insufficient to need".

The New York Times

You're going to need everything".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is to need", ensure the context is clear and the phrasing doesn't sound awkward. Consider if a more direct verb like "require" or "necessitate" would improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is to need" in formal writing where conciseness is valued. It can often be replaced with a stronger, single verb for better impact. Consider rephrasing as "requires" or "necessitates" to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to need" functions as a linking verb construction indicating a state of requirement or necessity. It connects a subject to a condition or action that is required. Ludwig's examples, though limited, showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "is to need" is grammatically acceptable, Ludwig indicates that it is an uncommon phrasing. It serves to express necessity but often sounds less direct than alternatives like "requires" or "necessitates". Its usage spans from news and media to informal contexts like wikis. Considering its potential for awkwardness, writers should assess whether a more concise verb would enhance clarity. If the goal is to sound natural, prefer more direct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is necessary to

Uses "necessary" instead of "need", indicating a condition that cannot be avoided.

is required to

Replaces "need" with "required", emphasizing obligation or necessity.

is essential to

Substitutes "need" with "essential", highlighting the critical importance of something.

is crucial for

Substitutes 'need' with 'crucial,' signifying that something is essential to the outcome.

is vital for

Emphasizes the importance of something by using "vital", suggesting it's crucial for success or survival.

is imperative to

Replaces 'need' with 'imperative,' stressing the urgency or critical nature of the requirement.

must have

Conveys a strong sense of requirement, implying that something is indispensable.

necessitates

Uses a more formal verb to indicate that something makes the following element essential.

demands

Replaces the entire phrase with a single, forceful verb to indicate a strong requirement.

calls for

Suggests a need based on circumstances or a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is to need" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives like "is required to", "is necessary to", or "necessitates" depending on the specific context.

Is "is to need" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "is to need" is an unusual phrasing and can sound awkward. It's often better to use a more direct verb such as "requires" or "necessitates".

What's the difference between "is to need" and "needs"?

"Needs" is a more direct and concise way to express the same idea. "Is to need" can sound roundabout and is less commonly used. Prefer "needs" in most situations.

In what contexts might "is to need" be appropriate?

"Is to need" might be used in specific rhetorical contexts for emphasis or a particular stylistic effect, but it's generally less common than more direct alternatives. The examples that Ludwig provides may clarify these instances.