need to build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to build" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a requirement or necessity to create or construct something. Example: "We need to build a stronger foundation for our project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We need to build something".

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to build upon it".

The New York Times

We need to build our own shells".

The New Yorker

"They need to build up trust.

The Economist

We need to build a shelter.

The New Yorker

We urgently need to build more homes.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they need to build on that.

The New York Times

"You need to build a reputation.

The New York Times

"We don't need to build awareness".

The New York Times

"We need to build capacity.

The New York Times

I need to build the argument.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to build", clearly specify what needs to be built to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We need to build", say "We need to build a new school".

Common error

Avoid using "need to build" without a clear objective. Phrases like "We need to build a better future" can sound cliché. Provide specific, actionable goals instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to build" functions as an infinitive phrase, expressing a necessity or obligation to create or construct something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It's often used to indicate essential actions required for progress or improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to build" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express the necessity of creating or constructing something. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, and its high frequency across diverse sources like news media, business documents, and academic papers underscores its common usage. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to specify what needs to be built to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "must construct" and "have to erect" can offer nuanced emphasis, but "need to build" remains a clear and effective way to communicate essential construction or developmental requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must construct

Indicates a stronger obligation or necessity to build.

have to erect

Implies a mandatory action of building something.

should establish

Suggests a recommendation to build, often implying a foundation.

got to assemble

Indicates a colloquial necessity for putting something together.

require to develop

Emphasizes the requirement for a building process.

essential to create

Highlights the importance of building as a creation.

crucial to form

Stresses the critical nature of building as a formation process.

imperative to construct

Highlights the urgency and necessity for building.

vital to fabricate

Emphasizes the importance of manufacturing or constructing something.

necessary to put up

Indicates that erecting something is required.

FAQs

How can I use "need to build" in a sentence?

Use "need to build" to express a requirement or necessity to construct or create something. For instance, "We "need to build" a stronger team" or "They "need to build" more houses".

What are some alternatives to "need to build"?

You can use alternatives such as "must construct", "have to erect", or "should establish" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "need to build" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "need to build" in various contexts, from formal reports to informal conversations, whenever you want to express the necessity of constructing or creating something. However, ensure that the context is clear and the object of building is well-defined.

What is the difference between "need to build" and "want to build"?

"Need to build" implies a necessity or requirement, while "want to build" expresses a desire or preference. For example, "We "need to build" a bridge for transportation" suggests it's essential, whereas "We want to build a park" indicates a desire but not necessarily a critical need.