it needs to be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs to be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a task or action is necessary and must be completed. Example: "The project deadline is approaching, and it needs to be done by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think it needs to be done.

The New Yorker

And it needs to be done".

The New York Times

It needs to be done".

The New York Times

"It needs to be done carefully".

The Guardian

It needs to be done straight away.

The Guardian - Sport

But it needs to be done.

The Guardian

"For now, it needs to be done," she said.

The New York Times

"We're acknowledging that it needs to be done".

The New York Times

But anyway, it needs to be done – so here goes".

The Guardian

But it needs to be done for the right reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't think it needs to be done," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it needs to be done" to clearly convey that a task or action is required and should be completed. Ensure the context provides clarity on who is responsible for the action.

Common error

While "it needs to be done" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound indirect. Consider using active voice when possible to specify who should perform the action, for example, "We need to do it" instead of "It needs to be done."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to be done" functions as a statement of necessity. Ludwig AI confirms that it expresses that a particular task or action is required. It sets an expectation for completion. Examples show it used in diverse contexts, reinforcing its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs to be done" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that communicates the necessity of completing a task or action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, but also appears in academic and wiki contexts, lending it a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. Remember to consider using the active voice for clarity and to tailor your choice of words to the specific context to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It must be done

Replaces "needs to be" with the stronger modal verb "must", indicating a higher degree of obligation.

It has to be done

Uses "has to be" as a semi-modal verb to convey necessity, similar in strength to "must".

It is required

Replaces the active voice construction with a passive voice emphasizing the requirement itself.

It is necessary

Substitutes "needs to be" with "is necessary", focusing on the essential nature of the action.

It should be done

Employs "should be" to suggest a recommendation or obligation, which is slightly less forceful than "needs to be".

Action is imperative

Changes the structure to emphasize the urgency and critical nature of the action.

It's essential to do it

Emphasizes the essential nature of performing the action, adding a bit more context.

The action is mandatory

Focuses on the mandatory aspect of the action, changing the tone to be more formal.

It warrants doing

Emphasizes that the situation justifies or necessitates the action.

This demands completion

Shifts the focus to the demand for completion, changing the grammatical structure significantly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it needs to be done" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it is required", "it is necessary", or "action is imperative". These alternatives often suit professional or academic contexts better.

Is there a difference between "it needs to be done" and "it has to be done"?

While both phrases convey necessity, "it has to be done" often implies a stronger sense of obligation or external pressure compared to "it needs to be done". They can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but the subtle difference in emphasis might make one more appropriate than the other depending on the situation.

What are some alternatives to "it needs to be done" that emphasize urgency?

If you want to emphasize the urgency of the action, you could use phrases like "it must be done immediately" or "action is imperative". These alternatives convey a sense of time sensitivity.

How to use "it needs to be done" in a sentence?

You can use "it needs to be done" in various contexts where an action is necessary. For example: "The report is due tomorrow; "it needs to be done" by then"."