need to rest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to rest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a requirement for rest or a break, often due to fatigue or exhaustion. Example: "After a long day at work, I really need to rest before tackling my evening tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

You need to rest.

The New York Times

"I just need to rest.

Independent

"I need to rest and move away".

The New York Times - Sports

You just need to rest.

The New Yorker

"I need to rest it".

The New York Times - Sports

"You need to rest now," we heard her explain.

The New York Times

I need to rest more, that's the secret really".

The Guardian - Sport

So I need to rest and eat healthy.

The Guardian - Sport

"You need to rest," he said to my mother.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I feel very well mentally but physically I need to rest," he added.

BBC

You can also feel tired and need to rest.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to rest", ensure the context clearly indicates why rest is necessary, such as after physical exertion, illness, or mental strain. Be specific about the reason to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "need to rest" as a generic response to all problems. While rest is essential, consider whether there are underlying issues like poor time management or inadequate self-care that need addressing. Simply resting without tackling the root cause might only provide temporary relief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to rest" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing a requirement or necessity. It conveys that the subject of the sentence is in a state where rest is essential or beneficial. Ludwig shows numerous examples supporting this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to rest" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey the necessity of rest due to fatigue, illness, or exertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct across a wide variety of contexts, primarily appearing in news media and general informational sources. While versatile, ensure context is clear and direct, and avoid overuse by considering the underlying causes of fatigue. Related phrases include "require some rest" and "must get some rest", offering alternative ways to express the same sentiment. Use it wisely and ensure that rest is truly what's needed!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require some rest

Emphasizes the necessity of rest, similar to the original phrase but uses a more formal verb.

must get some rest

Expresses a strong obligation or determination to rest.

need to take a break

Focuses on a temporary cessation of activity for refreshment, rather than prolonged rest.

should take it easy

Suggests a gentle approach to rest and relaxation, implying a reduction in effort.

require recuperation

Indicates a need for recovery, often after illness or exertion.

would do well to rest

Suggests that resting is a sensible or advisable course of action.

benefit from resting

Highlights the positive effects of resting, implying it would be advantageous.

demand relaxation

Expresses a strong need or entitlement to relaxation.

am overdue for a break

Indicates that a break is needed because it was delayed.

feel the need to unwind

Focuses on mental and emotional relaxation, suggesting a release of tension.

FAQs

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

You can use "need to rest" to express the necessity of taking a break or getting some sleep, as in "After running the marathon, I really "need to rest"." or "If you're feeling unwell, you "need to rest" and drink plenty of fluids."

What's a more formal way to say "need to rest"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "require some rest" or "necessitate recuperation". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing where a more elevated vocabulary is preferred.

Which is correct, "need to rest" or "needs to rest"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "need to rest" with plural subjects (e.g., "We "need to rest"") and the pronoun "I". Use "needs to rest" with singular subjects (e.g., "She "needs to rest"").

What can I say instead of "need to rest" when referring to a specific body part?

You can use "need to rest my eyes" or "need to rest my back" to specify which part of your body requires rest. Alternatively, you could say something like "my eyes "need a break"" or "my back "requires rest"".