needs that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a requirement or necessity for something. Example: "The project needs that additional funding to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

" 'She needs that.

The New Yorker

Everybody needs that.

The New York Times

Who needs that?

The New York Times

He needs that constant stimulation.

The New York Times - Sports

"That purpose, everybody needs that.

The New Yorker

And who needs that headache?

The New York Times

She needs that electoral support.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"They needed that.

The New York Times - Sports

We really needed that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We need that depth.

Independent

We needed that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "needs that" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "needs that" without a clear antecedent for "that". Always make sure the reader knows exactly what the subject needs, or it could create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs that" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a requirement or necessity. It connects a subject with something it requires, as seen in Ludwig examples like "She needs that electoral support" or "The north needs that oil".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs that" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a requirement or necessity. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news and media contexts, functioning as a verb phrase that connects a subject with something it requires. While the register is generally neutral, writers should ensure clarity by providing a clear antecedent for "that". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely applicable, but varying your sentence structure with alternatives like "requires that" can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires that

Emphasizes a formal requirement or obligation.

is in need of that

Highlights the state of lacking something necessary.

that is required

Similar to "requires that" but more passive in tone.

that is essential

Focuses on the crucial nature of something.

that's necessary

States a straightforward condition of being needed.

that is vital

Highlights importance.

cannot do without that

Expresses the inability to function properly without something.

that's indispensable

Underscores that something is crucial and irreplaceable.

is dependent on that

Highlights the reliance on something for success or continuation.

must have that

Expresses a strong desire or necessity for something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "needs that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "requires that", "is in need of that", or "that is essential", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "needs that" in academic writing?

Yes, "needs that" is grammatically correct, but consider whether more precise or formal alternatives like "requires that" or "necessitates that" might be more appropriate for academic contexts.

What are some common situations where I might use "needs that"?

"Needs that" is useful when expressing that something is required or necessary for a particular purpose or outcome. For example, "The project "needs that" additional funding to succeed."

How does the meaning of "needs that" differ from "wants that"?

"Needs that" indicates a requirement or necessity, whereas "wants that" expresses a desire or preference. Using "needs that" emphasizes that something is essential, not just desired.