need to be set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires adjustment, configuration, or establishment. Example: "The parameters for the experiment need to be set before we can proceed with the testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Different microwaves have different settings will need to be set differently or nuked for a different amount of time.

WikiHow

"I need to be set up.

The New York Times

Germany's service firms desperately need to be set free.

The Economist

Foreign titles do not need to be set in italics.

The Economist

Greengross also agreed sector and professional boundaries need to be set aside.

The Guardian

The bare bones of the princess's story would not need to be set down now.

The Guardian - Books

But none of these worst offenders need to be set free.

The New York Times

Stronger international treaties need to be set up to counter the threat, they insist.

The Guardian

And they need to be set against the benefits of the single market.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added, "I also want to say that politics need to be set aside here".

The New York Times

"Why does the number of notaries need to be set by a law?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to be set", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being adjusted or configured. Be specific about the parameters or criteria involved.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be set" excessively in contexts where an active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The parameters need to be set", consider "We need to set the parameters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be set" functions primarily as a passive construction indicating a requirement or necessity for something to be configured or adjusted. Ludwig shows its frequent use in various contexts where parameters, standards, or configurations are discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be set" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to express the necessity of configuring or adjusting something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While it maintains a neutral to professional register, it’s advisable to avoid overuse and consider active voice alternatives for more direct communication. The phrase’s versatility makes it suitable for various writing scenarios, provided clarity and context are maintained.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be configured

Replaces "need" with "must", indicating a stronger level of obligation or requirement.

should be established

Substitutes "need to be set" with "should be established", implying a recommendation or best practice for setting up something.

have to be adjusted

Replaces "need" with "have to", indicating necessity and emphasizing the act of adjustment.

require adjustment

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the requirement of adjustment, removing the passive voice.

demand configuration

Uses "demand" instead of "need", conveying a stronger sense of urgency and requirement for configuration.

must be arranged

Replaces "set" with "arranged", focusing on the act of organizing or positioning something.

ought to be determined

Substitutes "need to be set" with "ought to be determined", suggesting a need for deciding or finding out something.

require to be defined

Emphasizes the necessity of defining something, rather than just setting it.

necessitate establishment

Formalizes the phrase, highlighting the need for the establishment of something.

call for adjustment

Uses "call for" to emphasize that the situation warrants or requires adjustment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "need to be set" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "must be configured", "should be established", or "require adjustment". These alternatives add a level of professionalism and precision to your writing.

What are some common contexts where "need to be set" is typically used?

"Need to be set" is commonly used when discussing parameters, standards, goals, or configurations in various fields such as technology, project management, and personal development. For example, "The alarm clock "need to be set" to the right time?".

Is "need to be set" the same as "need to be setup"?

While similar, "need to be set up" often implies a more comprehensive initial configuration or establishment, while "need to be set" can refer to adjustments or configurations at any stage. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it better to use an active voice instead of "need to be set"?

Using an active voice can make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The thresholds need to be set", you could say "We need to set the thresholds". Use active voice when you want to emphasize the actor performing the action.