need to proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express the need to continue on with something. For example, "I need to proceed with my research paper in order to finish it by the due date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to proceed cautiously.

The Washington Post

"We need to proceed cautiously," he said.

The New York Times

But organizations need to proceed with caution.

Harvard Business Review

"I think we need to proceed on multiple fronts.

The New York Times

Leftwingers need to proceed on a very different basis.

The Guardian - Opinion

When foraging, you need to proceed with caution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, we need to proceed with care in the context of such ambiguous usage.

International Encyclopedia of Human Geography

There is no way to overstate how cautiously we need to proceed along this treacherous road.

The New York Times

"We need to proceed while rebuilding a relationship of trust" with Okinawans.

The New York Times

"Everybody is in agreement we need to proceed with the relief well," he said.

The New York Times

I think it's very tricky, and I think people need to proceed very carefully.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to proceed", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or plan is being continued. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where it's unclear who "needs to proceed". A clear subject makes the sentence more direct and impactful. For example, instead of 'Action needs to proceed', write 'The team needs to proceed'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to proceed" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating a necessary action or continuation. It expresses the requirement to move forward with a plan, task, or process. This is supported by the many examples in Ludwig where it's used to convey that a particular step or action is essential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need to proceed" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase indicating a necessity to continue or advance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and broadly applicable across various contexts, though it's particularly common in news, scientific, and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what action is being continued and avoid passive constructions that obscure who needs to act. Alternatives like "must advance" or "should continue" can subtly alter the tone and emphasis. Remember, while the phrase is suitable for most professional contexts, adjusting the formality level might be necessary depending on the specific audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must advance

Replaces "need to" with "must", suggesting a higher degree of obligation or necessity, and replaces "proceed" with "advance".

have to progress

Replaces "need to" with "have to", conveying obligation, and replaces "proceed" with "progress".

should continue

Substitutes "need to" with "should", indicating a recommendation rather than a strict requirement, and replaces "proceed" with "continue".

it is required to go ahead

Highlights the necessity with "it is required", and replaces "proceed" with "go ahead", offering a more direct tone.

it's essential to move forward

Emphasizes the importance with "it's essential", and replaces "proceed" with "move forward", adding a slightly more directional connotation.

it's necessary to carry on

Expresses the need using "it's necessary", and replaces "proceed" with "carry on", suggesting continuation despite challenges.

we are compelled to press forward

Emphasizes the force of necessity with "we are compelled", and replaces "proceed" with "press forward", signifying urgency.

we are obliged to push on

Conveys a sense of duty with "we are obliged", and replaces "proceed" with "push on", indicating effort and determination.

it is vital to forge ahead

Highlights the urgency with "it is vital", and replaces "proceed" with "forge ahead", indicating proactive action.

it's imperative to advance further

Stresses the critical nature with "it's imperative", and replaces "proceed" with "advance further", suggesting a more extensive journey.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "need to proceed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it is imperative to continue", "it is necessary to advance", or "we must progress".

What's a less forceful way to say "need to proceed"?

To soften the tone, you could use phrases like "should continue", "might want to proceed", or "could move forward".

Is there a difference between "need to proceed" and "must proceed"?

While similar, "must proceed" indicates a stronger obligation or requirement than "need to proceed", which suggests a necessity that may be slightly less urgent.

When is it best to use "need to proceed" versus "should proceed"?

"Need to proceed" is appropriate when there's a clear requirement or necessity to continue, while "should proceed" implies a recommendation or suggestion.