needed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needed of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a usable expression, as the correct form would typically be "in need of" or "needed for." Example: "I am in need of assistance with this project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

New trees were needed, of course.

The New York Times

"A dialogue is needed of course".

The New York Times

What is needed of us is to understand the process.

Independent

It demonstrates once more that reform is needed of executive pay structures.

The Guardian - Business

No explanation is needed of how cool that is (and it's free).

The Guardian - Tech

"If you're not doing what's needed of you, it has to be addressed," Messier said.

The New York Times - Sports

More studies are needed of the hormone therapies currently in use.

The New York Times

Proof, if more were needed, of her ability to save her best for when it matters.

The Guardian - Sport

I liked the feeling of helping her, of being needed, of nursing her back to health.

The New York Times

It is proof again, if proof were needed, of the importance of independent trade unions.

The Guardian

It was a cruel reminder, as if any were needed, of the fragility all around.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "needed of" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "in need of", "required by", or "necessary for" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "of" after "needed" due to its similarity to phrases like "in need of". Remember that "needed" typically requires a "for" or "by" to connect it to the purpose or agent fulfilling the need. Saying "needed of" can confuse readers, so check for the correct preposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needed of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, attempting to express requirement or necessity. However, it deviates from standard English grammar. Ludwig indicates this construction is incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "needed of" appears with notable frequency across various sources, including news, media, and scientific publications, it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as flawed. The intended meaning generally revolves around expressing requirement or necessity, but this is better conveyed using alternatives like "in need of", "required by", or "necessary for". Writers should avoid "needed of" in formal contexts to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness. Be mindful of correct preposition usage to express these ideas effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in need of

This alternative provides a grammatically correct and commonly used way to express requirement or necessity.

required by

This alternative emphasizes the obligation or necessity imposed by a specific entity or standard.

necessary for

This alternative highlights the essential nature of something for a particular purpose or outcome.

essential to

This alternative emphasizes the critical importance of something for a specific entity or purpose.

dependent on

This alternative indicates reliance on something for support or fulfillment.

lacking in

This alternative expresses the absence of something that is required or desired.

deficient in

This alternative highlights a shortage or inadequacy of something.

in want of

This alternative, though less common, conveys a sense of lacking something and desiring it.

short on

This alternative indicates a limited quantity or supply of something.

stands in need of

This alternative phrase is more formal and emphatic, highlighting a significant requirement.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the word "needed" in a sentence?

The word "needed" is usually followed by "for" or "by", depending on the context. For example, "This tool is needed for the project" or "Assistance is needed by the team". The phrase "needed of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect.

What can I say instead of "needed of"?

Instead of "needed of", you can use phrases like "in need of", "required by", or "necessary for", depending on the meaning you want to convey. For instance, instead of "More research is needed of course", you could say "More research is necessary, of course".

Is "needed of" grammatically correct?

No, "needed of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct phrases are typically "in need of", "required by", or "needed for".

How can I avoid using "needed of" in my writing?

To avoid using "needed of", always double-check the preposition that follows "needed". Ensure that you are using "for" or "by" appropriately, or consider using alternative phrases like "in need of" or "required by" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.