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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

need to be given

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"need to be given" is correct and usable in written English and can be used in almost any context.
For example, "The children need to be given boundaries in order to learn how to make responsible decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They too need to be given hope.

But they need to be given reasons to stay.

Children experiencing problems reading need to be given easier books.

News & Media

The New York Times

Coaches also need to be given room to fail.

People need to be given a reason to listen".

More emphasis would need to be given to missile defense.

News & Media

The New York Times

"They need to be given a different perspective.

News & Media

The New York Times

Disabled children need to be given due importance.

News & Media

The Guardian

Above all, they need to be given dignity.

They need to be given the skills to compete".

News & Media

The Guardian

They need to be given time to do it.

Science & Research

Nature
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to be given", ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Support needs to be given", specify "Students need to be given support".

Common error

While "need to be given" is grammatically correct, excessive use of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice for a more direct and impactful message. For example, instead of "Consideration needs to be given to this matter", try "You should consider this matter".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be given" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something requires something to be provided. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be given" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile passive construction used to express a necessity or requirement for something to be provided. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for use. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a wide range of applications. While perfectly acceptable, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and should consider active voice alternatives for more direct and impactful writing. Remembering these insights will help writers use "need to be given" effectively and appropriately.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "need to be given" to sound more active?

To make the sentence more active, you can use phrases like "should provide", "must offer", or "have to grant". For example, instead of "Assistance needs to be given", you could say "We should provide assistance".

What's the difference between "need to be given" and "should be given"?

"Need to be given" implies a stronger necessity or requirement than "should be given", which suggests a recommendation or suggestion. The former indicates a crucial requirement, while the latter indicates a desirable action.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "need to be given"?

It is most appropriate in formal or professional contexts where there is a specific requirement or obligation, such as in legal documents, academic papers, or business reports. Using "need to be given" in informal settings might sound overly formal.

Are there any situations where "need to be given" should be avoided?

While grammatically correct, overusing passive voice constructions like "need to be given" can make writing sound weak or indirect. In situations where directness and clarity are crucial, consider using active voice constructions instead.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: