need to be connected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be connected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity of establishing a link or relationship, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "In today's digital age, devices need to be connected to the internet to function properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These connections are largely environmental and do not need to be connected in actual fact.

Huffington Post

Those two worlds need to be connected".

The New York Times

"Travelers, whether for business or leisure, need to be connected".

The New York Times - Travel

Zones need to be connected to global markets.

The Economist

Things do not need to be connected the way they once were in the novel.

The Guardian - Books

But ultimately I do think they need to be connected to the grid".

The Guardian

Rooms have all become multipurpose, and they all need to be connected.

The New York Times

They need to be connected in networks that share knowledge and power.

The Guardian - Opinion

One is outsourcing: contractors often need to be connected to their clients' computer systems.

The Economist

This may arise from guilt over feeling selfish, or the need to be connected to those we perceive as helpless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He says Oculus will need to be connected to a PC, but Cardboard is as portable as your phone.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the necessity of a physical connection, use "need to be connected" to highlight the functional requirement. For abstract connections, consider alternatives like "must be linked" or "should be joined".

Common error

Avoid using "need to be connected" solely for abstract ideas when more precise terms like "must interact with each other" or "are required to interact" would better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be connected" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase expressing a requirement or necessity. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage, affirming its grammatical correctness and practical utility. These range from physical connections (devices needing internet) to abstract relations (ideas needing coherence).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be connected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey the necessity of a link or relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile across numerous domains, particularly in news, science, and general reference materials. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider context and choose more precise alternatives like "must be linked" or "should be joined" depending on the specific need. Overusing it in abstract contexts can diminish clarity, so strategic word choice is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be linked

Emphasizes obligation or requirement for a connection.

require a connection

Highlights the necessity of a connection for functionality or purpose.

should be joined

Suggests a recommendation or best practice for linking elements.

have to be linked

Indicates a compulsory connection due to a rule or constraint.

are required to interact

Focuses on the necessary interaction between elements.

must interact with each other

Highlights mandatory interaction for a functional system.

ought to be interrelated

Implies a desirable or logical relationship between components.

are obligated to relate

Focuses on mandatory relational responsibility.

desire to link

Conveys wanting to connect.

essential to associate

Emphasizes the critical nature of the association.

FAQs

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

You can use "need to be connected" to express a requirement for a physical or logical connection between two or more things. For example, "The devices need to be connected to the internet" or "The ideas need to be connected for the argument to be coherent".

What can I say instead of "need to be connected"?

You can use alternatives like "must be linked", "require a connection", or "should be joined" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "need to be connected" versus "must be connected"?

"Need to be connected" implies a general requirement, while "must be connected" emphasizes a stronger obligation or necessity. "Must be connected" might be used when there are strict rules or consequences for not being connected.

What's the difference between "need to be connected" and "desire to link"?

"Need to be connected" implies a requirement or necessity, while "desire to link" indicates a want or preference for a connection. The former is about functionality, the latter is about preference.