it needs to be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"it needs to be understood" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express that something is important for someone to comprehend or for a task to be completed successfully. Example: In order to solve this problem, it's essential that the underlying issues are addressed. It needs to be understood that simply addressing the surface level symptoms will not lead to a lasting solution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But it needs to be understood within its time and place.

The New York Times

On balance, it was successful but it needs to be understood in its totality and be seen in perspective.

Huffington Post

It needs to be understood in context.

Independent

In order to do so, it needs to be understood in the blink of an eye.

The Guardian

It needs to be understood historically, not merely dismissed as an aberration.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It needs to be understood that he's been obsessed with practicing," said Jeremy Alexander, one of Joe's older brothers.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

They believed not just that the world was intelligible, but that it needed to be understood to become complete, and that in human understanding, the mind and world entered a harmonious consummation.

The New York Times - Books

(Clinical service provider) However, this was a minority perspective in nearly all focus groups, with most participants arguing that allocation of responsibility was not uniform and that it needed to be understood within specific circumstances that can constrain precautionary behaviour.

Critical Public Health

Under normal circumstances, I would have found that funny, but as it was I needed to be understood.

Huffington Post

It also needs to be understood that the current system ends up discriminating against many who own stocks and mutual funds and thus receive capital gains and dividends.

The New York Times

It's the premise that needs to be understood first.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs to be understood", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement. Clearly state the subject needing understanding before or immediately after using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid embedding "it needs to be understood" within overly complex sentences. This can make your writing sound convoluted and less impactful. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to be understood" functions as a passive voice construction, emphasizing the necessity of comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it highlights the importance of grasping a particular concept, situation, or piece of information. The phrase often introduces a key point or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it needs to be understood" is a versatile and widely used phrase that emphasizes the necessity of comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to highlight crucial information or clarify potential misunderstandings across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the context clearly defines what "it" refers to and avoiding overuse in overly complex sentences. Alternative phrases like "it must be understood" or "it is important to understand" can offer subtle variations in meaning and formality, enhancing the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it must be understood

Replaces "needs" with "must", indicating a stronger sense of obligation or necessity.

it is important to understand

Changes the structure to emphasize the importance of the act of understanding.

it is essential to grasp

Substitutes "understood" with "grasp", implying a need for thorough comprehension.

it is crucial to comprehend

Replaces "understood" with "comprehend", highlighting the significance of understanding.

it requires understanding

Shifts the focus to the requirement of understanding something.

understanding is necessary

Emphasizes the necessity of understanding as a prerequisite.

it should be appreciated

Focuses on the value and acknowledgement of something, rather than strict comprehension.

it is vital to recognize

Stresses the importance of acknowledging and recognizing something.

it warrants consideration

Suggests something deserves careful thought and attention.

it calls for awareness

Highlights the need for being conscious and informed about something.

FAQs

How can I use "it needs to be understood" in a sentence?

Use "it needs to be understood" to emphasize the importance of comprehending a particular fact, concept, or situation. For example, "It needs to be understood that this is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors."

What are some alternatives to "it needs to be understood"?

You can use alternatives like "it must be understood", "it is important to understand", or "it is essential to grasp" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it needs to be understood" formal or informal?

"It needs to be understood" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for a variety of contexts including news, academic writing, and professional communication. Its formality depends on the surrounding text.

What's the difference between "it needs to be understood" and "it is important to understand"?

While both phrases emphasize the importance of comprehension, "it needs to be understood" often implies a pre-existing lack of understanding or a potential for misinterpretation. "It is important to understand" is a more general statement of the significance of understanding something.