it needs to run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs to run" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that requires operation or execution, such as a program, machine, or process. Example: "Before we can analyze the data, it needs to run through the software for processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The company isn't wedded specifically to its design, but at the same time, it needs to run its business, solve its internal problems and continue to build flexibility into its own data center even as it shares with the Open Compute Project.

TechCrunch

If that continues, G.M.'s reserves will fall below the minimum of $10 billion in cash it needs to run its global operations by January, the company said in its third-quarter S.E.C. filing.

The New York Times

Moody's also said it might downgrade Enron's commercial paper rating, which could make it harder for the company, the nation's largest energy-trading concern, to borrow the short-term cash it needs to run its trading business in the future.

The New York Times

"There is a police investigation ongoing and it needs to run its course, but I will also be writing to James Harding, the new director of news at the corporation, as I expect him to carry out a full review of the circumstances.

The Guardian

"Our position on that process hasn't changed, which is that it needs to run its appropriate course without interference from the White House or Congress," Carney said at the daily briefing.

Los Angeles Times

This means a business can aggregate all of its data and only pays for storage until it needs to run a quarterly report over this information, for example.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Morgan Stanley got entirely off the power grid by shutting off its ticker in Times Square and drawing the energy it needed to run its office buildings and trading desks from banks of small gas-powered generators in its basement.

Forbes

The American Exchange had generators to power its computers but Consolidated Edison could not supply the steam it needed to run its air-conditioning system, exchange officials said.

The New York Times

And simply giving the F.D.A. the money it needed to run its own studies would make a big difference.

The New Yorker

A surplus arises because our government has taxed its citizens more than it needed to run the country.

The New York Times

The Cynema Soundfield doesn't require modification to the studs behind the sheet rock, nor does it need to run wires to a separate amplifier.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs to run" in technical documentation, be specific about what "it" refers to. For example, instead of saying "it needs to run", specify "the program needs to run".

Common error

Avoid using "it needs to run" when a more direct and active construction would be clearer. For instance, instead of "the test needs to run", consider "the system must execute the test".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to run" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a specific action or process is required for something to operate correctly or achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs to run" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates the necessity for something to operate or execute. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the phrase is suitable for neutral communication, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and avoiding passive constructions where a more direct style would enhance readability. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication across diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has to operate

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity for something to function.

it must function

Highlights the requirement for something to be in working order.

it requires execution

Focuses on the technical aspect of needing to be carried out or performed.

it demands operation

Stresses the urgency or insistence of something needing to be in operation.

it is essential to operate

Highlights the importance of the operation for a specific outcome.

it is vital to function

Emphasizes the critical nature of something being functional.

it's imperative to execute

Emphasizes urgency and necessity of its execution.

it necessitates running

Indicates that something makes the action of running necessary.

it calls for operation

Suggests that a specific situation requires something to be operated.

it warrants execution

Implies that there are sufficient reasons for something to be executed.

FAQs

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

You can use "it needs to run" to indicate that something requires operation or execution. For example, "Before we can analyze the data, "it needs to run" through the software for processing."

What is a more formal way to say "it needs to run"?

In more formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "it must function" or "it requires execution" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "it needs to run" or "it needs running"?

"It needs to run" is generally preferred when indicating that something requires operation. "It needs running" can be used, but is less common and might imply that something requires maintenance.

What's the difference between "it needs to run" and "it has to run"?

While both phrases convey a sense of necessity, "it has to run" often implies a stronger sense of obligation or external requirement, whereas "it needs to run" can simply indicate a requirement for proper functioning.