it needs to be cooked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs to be cooked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to food that requires cooking before it can be consumed. Example: "The chicken is still raw; it needs to be cooked thoroughly before serving."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food preparation

Cooking instructions

General advice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It needs to be cooked".

The New York Times - Style

"But it needs to be cooked".

The New York Times

It needs to be cooked in advance and chilled before stir-frying.

The New York Times

MANY people are intimidated by squid because they believe that it needs to be cooked either two minutes or two hours to come out tender.

The New York Times - Food

Now there's the Mellow, a sort of sous-vide smart crockpot that you can program to make your soft boiled eggs at an exact time and keep food cool until it needs to be cooked.

TechCrunch

Some parts of the chicken may have gotten warm, so it needs to be cooked as soon as possible.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When, several weeks later, he found that there was a food bank he could get help from, about half of the food he was given was no good to him because it needed to be cooked.

The Guardian

If you don't, assume (hope, pray...) that it's the kind of thing that needs to be cooked to be enjoyed.

The New York Times - Food

Then remove the candle and place it underneath the pot and place what needs to be cooked in the pan.

WikiHow

It is boneless, with a rim of fat, and needs to be cooked before eating.

The New York Times - Food

Because rhubarb needs to be cooked to become palatable, it has traditionally been called the "pie plant".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone on food preparation, be specific about the internal temperature that "it needs to be cooked" to for safety. For example, "The chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F."

Common error

Avoid assuming everything "needs to be cooked" to the same degree. Specify cooking times and temperatures based on the food type to prevent undercooking or overcooking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to be cooked" functions as a directive or instruction, indicating that a particular item requires the application of heat for safety, palatability, or proper preparation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

31%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it needs to be cooked" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the requirement for something, typically food, to undergo the cooking process. As Ludwig AI points out, its presence across various sources, including news articles, cooking guides, and academic texts, underscores its versatility and general acceptance. The phrase primarily serves to provide instructions or advice, often with the goal of ensuring food safety or enhancing palatability. While appropriate for both casual and formal settings, specifying the cooking requirements, such as temperature and time, will give more clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires cooking

Emphasizes the necessity of cooking.

it must be cooked

Indicates a strong obligation to cook.

cooking is required

Focuses on the cooking action being essential.

it should be cooked

Suggests a recommendation or best practice to cook.

it has to be cooked

Expresses a necessity or obligation for cooking.

cooking is a necessity

Highlights cooking as an essential step.

it's essential to cook it

Directly states the importance of cooking.

it is necessary to cook

Formally expresses the need for cooking.

it benefits from cooking

Indicates that cooking enhances the item.

cooking enhances its properties

Focuses on the positive impact of cooking.

FAQs

What does "it needs to be cooked" mean?

The phrase "it needs to be cooked" means that something, usually food, requires the process of cooking before it can be safely or properly consumed. Cooking involves applying heat to transform the raw ingredients.

When should I use the phrase "it needs to be cooked"?

Use "it needs to be cooked" when giving instructions on how to prepare food, or when explaining why a certain food item cannot be eaten in its current state. For example, when handling raw meat.

What are some alternative ways to say "it needs to be cooked"?

Alternatives include "it requires cooking", "it must be cooked", or "cooking is required", depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it needs cooked" instead of "it needs to be cooked"?

While "it needs cooked" might be heard in some regional dialects, the grammatically standard and more widely accepted form is "it needs to be cooked". Using the passive voice ensures clarity and formality.