it needs to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs to function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the requirements or expectations for something to operate effectively. Example: "For the project to be successful, it needs to function properly under various conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

As soon as it has money in its Bitcoin account, it can order the materials it needs to function as a cab in the outside world.

TechCrunch

A network of blood vessels supplies the brain with the oxygen-rich blood it needs to function.

Harvard University

In a person in poor health or with a weak immune system, untreated pneumonia can cause oxygen levels to fall so far that body tissue is starved – particularly in the heart and brain – of the oxygen it needs to function.

The Guardian

Or, if you're older and your appetite isn't what it used to be, you may not give your body the calories and fuel it needs to function," Dr. Campos explains.

Harvard University

Ending Excess The human body has a very complex and redundant system to make sure the brain gets the sugar calories it needs to function, Dr. Nestle and Dr. Nesheim explain in their book.

The New York Times

It is more a matter of finding a form for an agreement that is acceptable to all sides, giving the American military the practical authority it needs to function in combat while letting the Iraqis say they are not locked into a lengthy agreement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The materials came from Six4Three, an app company that has sued Facebook in California for changes to its policies in 2015 that limited its ability to access data it needed to function.

The Washington Post

The materials came from Six4Three, an app company that has sued Facebook in California over policy changes in 2015 that limited its ability to access data it needed to function.

Los Angeles Times

"It needed to function equally well whether or not the water was turned on".

The New Yorker

Because of ignorance and bad planning, a new, multimillion-dollar industrial plant was suddenly without the raw material it needed to function.

The New Yorker

The European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund — "the troika" — were giving Greece the money it needed to function and to, well, pay the troika back.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs to function", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to and what "functioning" entails. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs to function" without specifying the necessary conditions or resources for that function. Be specific about the requirements for proper operation to avoid unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to function" serves as a modal expression indicating necessity. It highlights that something requires the ability to operate or perform its intended purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

27%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it needs to function" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the necessity for something to operate effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and general knowledge articles. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to specify what "it" refers to and to elaborate on the conditions required for proper functioning. Alternatives include "it requires to operate" or "it must work". Understanding its proper usage can help ensure clear and effective communication, especially when discussing requirements and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires to operate

Emphasizes the operational requirements of something.

it requires to work

Highlights the basic working requirements.

it is required to operate

Formally states the operational necessity.

it is essential to operate

Highlights the essential operational nature.

it must work

A direct and forceful way of saying something must function.

it has to operate

Expresses a requirement for operation.

it is necessary for it to work

Highlights the necessity for proper functioning.

it is critical for it to operate

Emphasizes the criticality of its function.

it depends on functioning

Focuses on the reliance on functioning.

it relies on functioning

Similar to 'depends on', indicating a dependency on proper functioning.

FAQs

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

You can use "it needs to function" to describe the requirements for something to work correctly. For example, "For the project to be successful, "it needs to function" properly under various conditions."

What can I say instead of "it needs to function"?

You can use alternatives like "it requires to operate", "it must work", or "it is essential to operate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it needs to function" or "it needs function"?

"It needs to function" is correct. The infinitive form "to function" is necessary after "needs to".

What's the difference between "it needs to function" and "it is functioning"?

"It needs to function" expresses a requirement or necessity for something to work. "It is functioning" describes something that is currently working or operating.