need to know

USAGE SUMMARY

"need to know" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe something that is important to find out or necessary to be aware of. Example: I need to know when the deadline date is so I can submit my report on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They need to know.

The New York Times

We need to know.

The New York Times

Or need to know?

The New Yorker

I need to know.

The New York Times - Sports

You don't need to know".

The New Yorker

You need to know that".

The New Yorker

We need to know why".

Independent

We need to know more".

The New Yorker

We need to know now".

The New York Times

Did I need to know?

The New York Times - Magazine

"The families need to know".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "need to know" when emphasizing the importance of specific information for a particular purpose or decision.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "need to know" excessively in casual conversation where simpler phrasing like "should know" or "it's good to know" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to know" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (often 'information' or 'basis') or as part of a verb phrase, emphasizing the necessity or requirement for certain information. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need to know" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the necessity of certain information. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts but is also used in academic and formal settings. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and ensure that its use is appropriate for the level of formality. Alternatives like "essential knowledge" or "must-know information" can be used in more formal settings. The phrase serves to communicate that certain information is not just interesting, but crucial for understanding or decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

necessary information

This alternative directly states that the information is a requirement.

must-know information

This alternative emphasizes the mandatory nature of the information.

essential knowledge

This alternative focuses on the crucial aspect of the information required.

critical data

Highlights the importance and often time-sensitive nature of the information.

vital information

This emphasizes the life-or-death importance of the information.

important facts

Focuses on the factual and significant nature of the information.

key details

This alternative highlights the significance of specific pieces of information.

crucial insights

This alternative stresses the depth and importance of understanding provided by the information.

relevant details

Emphasizes the pertinence of the information to a specific context.

fundamental understanding

This alternative focuses on a basic and necessary comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "need to know" to emphasize the necessity of certain information, as in, "I need to know the project's deadline to plan accordingly."

What is a more formal alternative to "need to know"?

In formal settings, consider using "essential knowledge" or "necessary information" as alternatives to "need to know".

Is there a difference between "need to know" and "nice to know"?

Yes, "need to know" indicates essential information, whereas "nice to know" implies that the information is interesting but not crucial.

When is it appropriate to use "need to know" in professional communication?

Use "need to know" in professional communication when conveying that specific details are vital for a task, decision, or understanding a situation. For example: "All team members need to know the updated safety protocols."