Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
needed by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "needed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a requirement or a desired condition. For example, "The project had to be completed by Friday, so I needed it done needed by Thursday."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Needed by whom?
News & Media
But they are needed by many.
News & Media
Much more awareness is needed by everyone.
News & Media
Some improvements are needed by the forwards.
News & Media
The $10bn needed by 2025 amounted to $1bn a year.
News & Media
These attributes are now needed by the American public.
News & Media
Doctor predicts organ would be needed by Jan . 06.
News & Media
"A European response is needed by Europe far more than it is needed by Italy," he says.
News & Media
However, an EU-wide response is needed by Europe far more than it is needed by Italy.
News & Media
Such skills are badly needed by her party.
News & Media
Nitrogenase is needed by the bacteria for nitrogen fixation.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "needed by", ensure that the context clearly identifies who or what requires the subject. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "needed by" in overly passive constructions that obscure the agent performing the action. Instead, opt for a more active voice for directness and impact.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "needed by" functions as a post-positive modifier, clarifying who or what requires something. It is often used in passive constructions to specify the agent requiring the action or object, as confirmed by Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
12%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Formal & Business
2%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "needed by" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that specifies the entity requiring something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While ""required by"" may offer a more formal alternative, "needed by" serves effectively across various contexts from News & Media to Science and Wiki sources. When writing, ensure the context clarifies who requires the subject, and avoid overly passive constructions for clearer communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
required by
Replaces "needed" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing obligation.
necessitated by
Indicates that something is made necessary or unavoidable by a particular situation.
demanded by
Implies a strong requirement or expectation from a specific entity.
called for by
Suggests that something is requested or considered appropriate by a certain authority or situation.
is a prerequisite for
Highlights that something must exist or happen before something else can occur.
relied upon by
Focuses on the reliance or dependence on something or someone.
essential for
Emphasizes the critical importance of something for a particular purpose.
indispensable to
Indicates that something is absolutely necessary or cannot be done without.
dependent on
Highlights the state of being reliant or contingent on something else.
subject to
Indicates that something is conditional upon or affected by something else.
FAQs
How can I use "needed by" in a sentence?
Use "needed by" to indicate who or what requires something. For example, "The software update is "required by" all users" or "Assistance is "essential for" the project's success".
What are some alternatives to using "needed by"?
Alternatives include phrases such as ""required by"", "demanded by", ""essential for"", or "dependent on", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Is it better to use "required by" or "needed by"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""required by"" often carries a more formal tone than "needed by". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.
What's the difference between "needed by" and "needed for"?
"Needed by" specifies the recipient or user of something, while "needed for" indicates the purpose or reason for something. For instance, "The report is needed by the manager" versus "The report is needed for the presentation".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested