need be done

USAGE SUMMARY

"need be done" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a task or action that must occur, and can be used in the present or future tenses. Example sentence: "The paperwork must be completed by tomorrow, and all other tasks need be done before the project is finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

No complicated math need be done.

The New York Times

The first makes the segregation seem natural, so that nothing need be done.

The Guardian - Books

Under the law's new wording, however, no harm need be done for the crime to be prosecuted.

The New Yorker

"I wrote Gary Snyder, he's the only one with a strong sense... to... find what need be done".

The New York Times - Books

I don't mean to insist that everything need be done the hard way, or that we somehow need to suffer like our ancestors to achieve redemption.

The New Yorker

This kind of accounting must also have ignored the fact that inoculation with the spores need be done only once; the first cost is the only cost.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Hair removal whenever needed was done with clippers.

Critical Care

"There are things that need to be done and things that need to be done now".

BBC

Those things need to be done.

Independent

Something does need to be done.

The Guardian - Business

"More research does need to be done".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need be done", consider the context and audience, as it can sound formal or archaic. In many cases, more modern alternatives like "needs to be done" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "need be done" excessively in modern writing, as it can make your text sound stilted or unnatural. Mix it with more common alternatives to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need be done" functions as a modal construction indicating necessity or requirement. It specifies that an action or task is required. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need be done" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express necessity, similar to "must be done" or "needs to be done". While correct, this structure tends to be formal. The phrase is most frequently found in contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms the phrase's validity and provides context for its usage, indicating that while it's a legitimate expression, more modern alternatives are often preferred in contemporary English. Therefore, consider your audience and the desired level of formality when choosing whether to use "need be done".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be done

Uses a more common and modern phrasing with the auxiliary verb "to be".

must be done

Replaces "need" with "must" to emphasize the necessity of the action.

has to be done

Uses "has to" to express obligation in a more conversational tone.

should be done

Indicates a recommendation or expectation rather than a strict necessity.

requires completion

Emphasizes the requirement for the task to be finished.

is required

Highlights the necessity without explicitly stating an action.

is essential

Emphasizes the importance of something being completed.

is imperative

Indicates the utmost importance or urgency.

demands to be done

Uses a stronger verb, "demands", to convey a sense of urgency and requirement.

calls for action

Focuses on the necessity for taking action rather than the completion of a specific task.

FAQs

What does "need be done" mean?

The phrase "need be done" means something is necessary or required to be completed. It's often used in formal or somewhat archaic contexts.

Is "need be done" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "need be done" leans towards a more formal register. In everyday conversation, phrases like "needs to be done" or "has to be done" are more common.

How can I use "need be done" in a sentence?

You can use "need be done" to indicate something that requires completion, such as: "The paperwork need be completed by Friday." However, remember it's more formal; "The paperwork needs to be completed by Friday" is more common.

What are some alternatives to "need be done"?

Some alternatives to "need be done" include "needs to be done", "must be done", and "has to be done". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality.