need to be cleared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be cleared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that requires clarification, removal, or resolution. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, all outstanding issues need to be cleared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The cleared-out rooms need to be cleared out in a different way, the anonymity made freshly anonymous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To the commentators who have never been here, certain points need to be cleared up.

The New York Times

He would need to be cleared by the tournament organizers to play.

The New York Times

This supply of distressed properties, often called the "shadow inventory," will eventually need to be cleared.

The New York Times

Lindros would need to be cleared yet again before he can resume his playing career.

The New York Times - Sports

The acquisition will need to be cleared by competition regulators in the UK and Ireland.

The Guardian

The debts of NHS trusts and health authorities need to be cleared at a cost estimated at £200m-500m.

The Economist

"Crossrail is following that tradition: where graveyards need to be cleared, they're reburied, generally on the outskirts of London".

The Guardian

At Sandy Hook in New Jersey, floodwater seeped into all of the buildings, and the roads need to be cleared of sand and debris.

The New York Times

Players need to be cleared by team physicians and an independent neurological consultant before they can return, under N.F.L. safety protocols.

The New York Times - Sports

There's no time to waste, as many passengers will be getting out at Exeter and all traces of lunch need to be cleared by Plymouth.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to be cleared" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the subject requiring clearance is explicitly stated. For example, "The regulatory hurdles need to be cleared before the merger can proceed."

Common error

Avoid using "need to be cleared" without specifying what requires clearance. For example, instead of saying "Issues need to be cleared", specify "These accounting issues need to be cleared before the audit."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be cleared" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that something requires action by an external agent. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates that something requires clarification, removal, or resolution. The examples show its use in contexts requiring approval, removal, or overcoming obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be cleared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the necessity for something to be approved, resolved, or removed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is versatile, appearing across various contexts like news, science, and formal communications. While suitable for general use, clarity is essential; explicitly stating what requires clearance avoids ambiguity. Alternatives such as "require clarification" or "must be resolved" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require clarification

Emphasizes the need for more information or explanation.

must be resolved

Highlights the urgency and importance of solving a problem.

should be addressed

Suggests that attention and action are needed to deal with something.

have to be authorized

Focuses on the formal approval required before proceeding.

demand resolution

Stresses the insistence and necessity for a solution.

warrant attention

Implies that something is important enough to deserve focus and action.

call for approval

Indicates a need for a formal agreement or endorsement.

need to be validated

Suggests something requires verification or confirmation.

ought to be rectified

Focuses on correcting something that is wrong or deficient.

require to be discharged

Highlights the necessity for a duty or obligation to be completed.

FAQs

How can I use "need to be cleared" in a sentence?

You can use "need to be cleared" to indicate that something requires approval, removal, or resolution. For example, "All documents "need to be validated" before submission" or "The road "needs to be cleared" of debris after the storm".

What's the difference between "need to be cleared" and "must be resolved"?

"Need to be cleared" often implies a process of approval or removal, while "must be resolved" emphasizes the urgency and importance of solving a problem or dispute. The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "need to be cleared" or "needs to be cleared"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "need to be cleared" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "The issues need to be cleared"), while "needs to be cleared" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "The document needs to be cleared").

What are some situations where I might use "need to be cleared"?

You might use "need to be cleared" when discussing regulatory approvals, project management milestones, medical clearances, or any situation where something requires a formal process of authorization or removal. For instance, "The patient "needs to be cleared" by a doctor before returning to work".