need to be had

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'need to be had' is not correct English, and is not typically used in written English.
To make it correct, the phrase should be written as 'need to have'. For example, "We need to have a discussion about our goals for the next year".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And I think those are fights that need to be had.

The New York Times

Those discussions also need to be had around this form, because it can take you anywhere".

The Guardian - Tech

These debates need to be had in public rather than behind closed doors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many more conversations need to be had before a new, integrated care model can become a reality.

The Guardian

Nothing new there, then, but given that belts have already been tightened, some more complex conversations need to be had.

The Guardian

"These are the discussions that need to be had and will be had in the not-too-distant future".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

She added, "I think this is a discussion we need to be having".

The New York Times

So when you're onstage, you need to be having fun.

The New Yorker

But those are the types of thoughtful debates that we need to be having with Congress.

The New York Times

But these are the sorts of conversations we need to be having as a nation.

Independent

Everybody needs to be relaxed, and you need to be having fun when you're at your best.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing a substitute. "Must be done" is stronger than "should be done", indicating a higher level of obligation.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "need to be had" in formal writing or professional contexts. This phrase is grammatically incorrect and can detract from your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be had" functions as part of a clause expressing necessity or requirement. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not correct English. The examples show its use in contexts where discussions or conversations are deemed necessary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need to be had" is used to express the necessity of something, particularly a discussion or conversation. However, Ludwig AI points out that this phrase is grammatically incorrect. While it appears in various sources, especially in News & Media, it's important to be aware of its non-standard nature and consider using grammatically correct alternatives such as "needs to happen", "should be done", or "must be addressed" for clarity and professionalism. Pay attention to the context and choose the most appropriate alternative to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to happen

Focuses on the necessity for an event or situation to occur.

must be done

Emphasizes the obligation of performing a task or action.

needs to be addressed

Highlights the necessity of dealing with a problem or issue.

should be done

Indicates a recommendation or advisability to complete an action.

must take place

Highlights the requirement for an event to occur.

requires attention

Indicates that something needs focus and care.

requires discussion

Highlights the necessity of having a conversation about a topic.

ought to be done

Suggests a moral or ethical obligation to perform an action.

should occur

Suggests the advisability of an event or action happening.

demands consideration

Emphasizes the importance of careful thought and analysis.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "need to be had"?

Replace "need to be had" with grammatically correct alternatives such as "needs to happen", "should be done", or "must be addressed" depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "need to be had" and "needs to be had"?

While "needs to be had" is grammatically closer to correct, both phrases are generally avoided in formal English. It's better to use alternatives like "needs to happen" or "requires discussion" to express necessity.

Is "need to be had" ever appropriate in writing?

The phrase "need to be had" is generally not appropriate in formal or academic writing. While it appears in some informal contexts, it is best to use more standard English phrases like "should be done" or "must be addressed" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

What are some alternatives to "need to be had" in a business context?

In a business context, consider using phrases like "requires attention", "demands consideration", or "needs to be addressed" to convey the necessity of addressing a particular issue or task.