needs someone to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs someone to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a requirement or necessity for assistance or action from another person. Example: "The project needs someone to do the research and compile the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is important to take a subtle approach to improving your performance, as simply shoving up your hand and shouting "Pick me!" whenever your boss needs someone to do something could earn you a reputation as the office swot.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Venezuelan football really needed someone to do something similar.

BBC

If you need someone to do something, make it clear that it's an assignment, not a favor.

WikiHow

We need someone to do us turn.

BBC

But you need someone to do that for you—someone who knows what they're doing.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

We need somebody to do something.

Independent

A childhood friend with whom Roof had recently become reacquainted said Roof started railing about the Trayvon Martin case in recent weeks, complaining about black people "taking over the world" and about the need for someone to do something about it for the sake of "the white race".

Huffington Post

Don't "not allow" someone to do something.

WikiHow

Someone needs to do something about this, the situation is TOTALLY out of control.

Independent

The motivation is sound: someone needs to do something to keep the world economy afloat, and central banks are the only agents capable of acting.

The Guardian - Business

Someone needs to do something about that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs someone to do something", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for identifying and assigning the task. For example, instead of just stating "The project needs someone to do the research", specify who will make that assignment: "The project manager needs someone to do the research".

Common error

Avoid using "needs someone to do something" without clarifying who is responsible for assigning the task. This can lead to inaction and confusion. Always specify who has the authority or responsibility to delegate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs someone to do something" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a requirement or necessity for another person's action. Ludwig identifies this phrase as grammatically sound and commonly used. It specifies that a task or action is required and needs to be fulfilled by an individual.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs someone to do something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the necessity of another person's action. Ludwig confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is primarily used to delegate tasks, highlight responsibility gaps, and emphasize the importance of someone's involvement. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, clarity in assigning responsibility is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "requires someone to take action" or "demands someone's intervention" for more formal or emphatic tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires somebody to act

Focuses on the necessity of action from an unspecified person.

demands someone's intervention

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of someone stepping in.

calls for someone to take action

Highlights the need for proactive steps from an individual.

necessitates someone's involvement

Highlights the importance of someone getting involved.

it's up to someone to take charge

Shifts the focus to responsibility and leadership.

it's imperative for someone to act

Emphasizes the critical importance of immediate action.

someone is required to intervene

Highlights the formal need of intervention.

someone must step up

Focuses on the need for someone to proactively take responsibility.

there's a demand for someone to act

Highlights the collective need for action.

it falls to someone to handle this

Indicates that the responsibility has been assigned, or should be assigned.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "needs someone to do something" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "requires someone to take action", "necessitates someone's involvement", or "demands someone's intervention". You can find similar phrases at "requires somebody to act", or "demands someone's intervention".

What's the difference between "needs someone to do something" and "wants someone to do something"?

"Needs someone to do something" implies a requirement or necessity, while "wants someone to do something" suggests a preference or desire. The former highlights a critical need, whereas the latter expresses a wish. See also "want someone to do something".

Is it grammatically correct to say "needs someone doing something"?

While "needs someone to do something" is the standard and more widely accepted phrasing, "needs someone doing something" is less common and can sound slightly awkward in formal writing. It's generally safer to stick with the "to do" construction. "Needs someone to do something" can also be replaced by "requires someone to do something".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "needs someone to do something"?

This phrase is appropriate in situations where a task or action is required and needs to be assigned to a specific person. It is suitable when delegating responsibilities or highlighting a gap in a project or team. A close alternative to it is "calls for someone to take action".