needed to be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needed to be understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of comprehension or clarity regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "The complexities of the issue needed to be understood by all team members to ensure effective collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He needed to be understood.

Independent

It was something that needed to be understood".

The New Yorker

I remember first noticing that the written word had a form that needed to be understood and thought about.

The Guardian - Books

He added that Mr. Ballew's point on Toyota needed to be understood from the perspective of the Big Three American auto makers.

The New York Times

She decided instead that whites and blacks needed to be understood and forgiven for evil deeds if they expressed real remorse.

The New York Times - Arts

Capital and its workings, he insisted, needed to be understood specifically, historically, as it changed from post-Fordism to full globalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It needs to be understood in context.

Independent

That's what needs to be understood.

The Guardian

That is something that needs to be understood".

The Guardian

It's the premise that needs to be understood first.

The Guardian - Opinion

As part of human life, they need to be understood.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needed to be understood", ensure the context clearly indicates what requires understanding. Providing additional details or examples can enhance clarity.

Common error

While "needed to be understood" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem indirect. Consider rephrasing to active voice where appropriate, for instance, "people needed to understand it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needed to be understood" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something required comprehension or clarification. It emphasizes the importance of being understood, rather than the act of understanding itself. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needed to be understood" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase that emphasizes the importance of comprehension. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context. While grammatically correct, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct style. Related phrases include "required clarification" and "had to be grasped". Overall, while "needed to be understood" is perfectly acceptable, consider the specific context to choose the most effective wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required comprehension

Focuses on the demand for understanding.

required clarification

Emphasizes the necessity for making something clearer.

had to be grasped

Highlights the act of mentally seizing or understanding something.

required interpretation

Highlights the necessity for explaining the meaning of something.

called for explanation

Highlights a situation or topic needing further detailing or justification.

had to be appreciated

Implies a need for recognizing the value or significance.

demanded recognition

Emphasizes the need for acknowledging or accepting something.

warranted exploration

Suggests that something deserved to be investigated.

should have been clear

Suggests something should have been easily understood but wasn't.

invited scrutiny

Indicates that something was open to careful and critical examination.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "needed to be understood" to sound more active?

You can rephrase it to sound more active by saying "people needed to understand it", or "it required understanding". These alternatives shift the focus from the object to the subject performing the action.

What's the difference between "needed to be understood" and "should be understood"?

"Needed to be understood" implies a past requirement or necessity, whereas "should be understood" suggests a recommendation or general importance.

Is it correct to use "needed to be understood" in formal writing?

Yes, it is correct. However, consider if an active voice construction like "required understanding" would be more direct and impactful for your specific context.

What are some alternatives to "needed to be understood" that avoid passive voice?

Alternatives that avoid passive voice include phrases like "required understanding", "demanded comprehension", or "people had to grasp". These options emphasize the action and those performing it.