likely needed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely needed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something is probably required or necessary in a given context. Example: "Based on the project's scope, additional resources are likely needed to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Notably, the facilitator was also fellowship-trained in medical education; thus, additional training is likely needed for those who would like to facilitate.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

New blood is likely needed, and it is legitimate to ask what is taking so long.

The New York Times - Sports

Even so, analysts questioned the economic reasons for the acquisition, saying the company most likely needed a safe place to put its extra cash.

The New York Times

By the time Woods got back on the course, he was 12 shots behind Barnes and likely needed a score somewhere around par to reach the third round.

The Guardian - Sport

With games remaining on the road against Notre Dame and Miami, Boston College most likely needed to beat Temple to become eligible for a bowl berth.

The New York Times - Sports

Human Rights Watch said that internal investigations into the accusations were crucial and that the prospect of some international action was most likely needed to spur them.

The New York Times

His mother told the director that Mr. Alexis' paranoia tended to subside with time, but that "he likely needed to see a therapist".

The New York Times

What's truly remarkable about Russell's pieces is the way he historicizes his subjects and their wants; he seems to instinctively understand that if we need something now, we've likely needed it before.

The New Yorker

(Mang, a 19th-century monarch who enraged Europe by booting out Christian missionaries, mythically had a 500-woman harem and likely needed a tonic or two to sire his more than 100 children).

The New York Times

Multiple reaction tubes of smaller diameter are likely needed for scale-up.

Chemical Engineering Science

To optimize positioning, a range of contoured rigid backrests as well as height and angle adjustability are likely needed.

Medical Engineering & Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely needed", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the likelihood. Providing supporting information strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "likely needed" when evidence suggests it's definite or highly probable. Using stronger language will make your writing more accurate and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely needed" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a probable requirement. As Ludwig AI describes, the expression is commonly used across a variety of sources, marking its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely needed" is a versatile phrase that expresses a probable necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, from scientific publications to news articles. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides a clear basis for the likelihood to enhance credibility. Alternatives such as "probably necessary" or "potentially required" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably necessary

Replaces "likely" with "probably", maintaining the sense of probability but using different wording.

may well be needed

Adds emphasis using "may well be" to indicate a strong possibility of being needed.

might be necessary

Uses a modal verb ("might") to convey possibility and replaces "needed" with "necessary".

potentially required

Substitutes "needed" with "required" and "likely" with "potentially", indicating a possibility rather than a certainty.

could be required

Expresses a possibility with "could be" and uses "required" instead of "needed".

reasonably required

Suggests that something is sensible or justifiable as being required.

possibly essential

Emphasizes importance by using "essential" instead of "needed" while maintaining uncertainty with "possibly".

plausibly necessary

Indicates that something is believable or likely to be necessary.

conceivably essential

Suggests something is imaginable or possible to be essential.

arguably necessary

Expresses that something can be supported with reasons as being needed or essential.

FAQs

How can I use "likely needed" in a sentence?

You can use "likely needed" to suggest that something is probably required or necessary. For example, "Based on the project's scope, additional resources are "likely needed" to meet the deadline".

What's the difference between "likely needed" and "certainly needed"?

"Likely needed" suggests a probability, while "certainly needed" indicates a definite requirement. Use "likely needed" when you are not completely sure, but have good reason to believe something is necessary.

What can I say instead of "likely needed"?

You can use alternatives like "probably necessary", "potentially required", or "might be necessary" depending on the context.

Is "likely needed" formal or informal?

"Likely needed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles.