need to be watched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be watched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something requires supervision or monitoring. Example: "The children need to be watched closely while they play near the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

All investments need to be watched.

The Economist

PEOPLE need to be watched.

The New York Times

JPMorgan's long-term debt costs need to be watched closely.

The New York Times

The World Bank and IMF also need to be watched.

The Guardian - Business

"Children under 10 need to be watched like hawks".

The New York Times

But if you're taking a diuretic, your potassium levels need to be watched.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

We need to be watching the market and understanding where the customers are taking us.

The Guardian - Tech

"Their caution about deploying more expansionary measures has been warranted, but they need to be watching economic conditions very carefully," Ms. Dynan said.

The New York Times

But for it to be more than that, I would need to be watching something that touched more convincingly on the world I used to move in.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You need to be watching from the sides, or from the ground, looking up; then you can see the blades' progress as they get longer much more clearly.

The Guardian

"The stars of tomorrow need to be watching the stars of today.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to be watched", clearly state the reason for the required observation to provide context and ensure the message is understood effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be watched" excessively in passive constructions. Opt for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be watched" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a necessity or requirement for observation or supervision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need to be watched" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the necessity of monitoring or supervising someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears frequently in contexts like news, academia, and general discussions. When using the phrase, consider the specific reason for observation to provide clear context. While versatile, avoid overusing it in passive constructions to maintain a more direct writing style. Alternatives such as "require monitoring" or "should be supervised" can offer a more formal or nuanced tone depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require monitoring

Emphasizes the necessity of ongoing observation.

should be monitored

Suggests a recommendation for observation.

must be observed

Highlights the imperative nature of watching something.

require supervision

Focuses on the need for guidance and oversight.

should be supervised

Recommends oversight and guidance.

must be supervised

Highlights the necessity of guidance and oversight.

demand close attention

Emphasizes the need for careful observation.

warrant scrutiny

Indicates the justification for detailed examination.

call for surveillance

Highlights the necessity of monitoring something.

are in need of observation

Highlights that something is currently lacking observation.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "require monitoring" or "warrant scrutiny" depending on the context.

What's a simpler way to say "need to be watched"?

Simpler alternatives include "should be monitored" or "require supervision" when you want to convey a similar meaning with less complexity.

Is there a difference between "need to be watched" and "need to be monitored"?

While similar, "need to be watched" often implies a more direct, visual observation, whereas "need to be monitored" can refer to a broader range of surveillance methods, including electronic or systematic tracking.

How do I use "need to be watched" in a sentence?

Use "need to be watched" to indicate that something or someone requires supervision or observation, such as: "Children "need to be watched" closely near the pool."