needs to be alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be alert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity for someone to be attentive or watchful in a particular situation. Example: "During the meeting, everyone needs to be alert to catch any important updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

That is good news, but Congress needs to be alert.

The New York Times

"In the street life of a metropolis, a boy needs to be alert," the narrator warns.

The New York Times

But the truth matters, and, with Trump, one needs to be alert to both the fine print and the big lie.

The New Yorker

But others do, and a newspaper like The Times needs to be alert to them or wind up looking clueless or, worse, partisan itself.

The New York Times

"The Conservative party needs to be alert that there is a moderate core of Conservative voters, who voted Remain, and who want to hear the Conservative government speaking above the noise of the Brexiters," they say.

The Guardian

Vine's report warned: "We found a potential risk of non-genuine students opting to apply for SVVs instead of Tier 4. SVVs are not subject to the same stringent rules that are applied to Tier 4. The UKBA needs to be alert to this to ensure that this route is not exploited in the future".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

For his sake and the sake of the women in your lab, he needs to be alerted to the problem, and fast.

Science Magazine

Passengers need to be alert.

The New York Times

As a population we need to be alert to this".

The Guardian

Kelvin says teachers need to be alert, but do not need to become psychiatrists to help.

The Guardian

As a population we need to be alert to this," Mr Donald said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "needs to be alert", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject should be alert to. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, instead of 'The team needs to be alert', use 'The team needs to be alert to potential security breaches'.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be alert" in situations where the expected attentiveness is already implied. For instance, saying 'A surgeon needs to be alert during surgery' is redundant, as alertness is inherent to the role and task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be alert" functions primarily as a directive, indicating a requirement or necessity for someone or something to maintain a state of heightened awareness. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be alert" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of vigilance and attentiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in various contexts. While its frequency is categorized as uncommon, it appears predominantly in News & Media and Scientific writing. To enhance clarity, always specify what one "needs to be alert" to, and avoid overuse in already implied situations. Remember, vigilance is key! Consider alternatives like "must be vigilant" or "should be attentive" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be vigilant

Emphasizes the necessity of constant watchfulness against potential dangers or issues.

should be attentive

Suggests the importance of paying close attention to details and signals.

has to be watchful

Highlights the need to carefully observe and monitor the surroundings or situation.

needs to be aware

Focuses on possessing knowledge and understanding of the current circumstances.

must stay informed

Stresses the importance of keeping up-to-date with relevant information.

should remain observant

Indicates the desirability of continuously noticing and registering details.

has to be prepared

Underlines the necessity of being ready for potential events or challenges.

needs to stay sharp

Implies maintaining mental acuity and quickness of thought.

should keep an eye out

Suggests actively looking for specific things or potential problems.

has to be on guard

Emphasizes the need to be ready to defend against possible threats.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "needs to be alert" to sound more formal?

In a formal context, you can replace "needs to be alert" with phrases like "must remain vigilant", "should maintain awareness", or "is required to exercise caution". These alternatives /s/should+maintain+awareness, /s/is+required+to+exercise+caution emphasize the importance of attentiveness in a more sophisticated manner.

What's the difference between "needs to be alert" and "needs to be aware"?

"Needs to be alert" implies a state of readiness to react to immediate stimuli or potential threats. "Needs to be aware" /s/needs+to+be+aware suggests a broader understanding of the context and potential implications, focusing on knowledge rather than immediate reaction.

Is it grammatically correct to say "need to be alert" instead of "needs to be alert"?

The correctness depends on the subject. "Need to be alert" is correct when the subject is plural (e.g., 'They need to be alert'). "Needs to be alert" is correct when the subject is singular and third-person (e.g., 'He needs to be alert').

What are some situations where someone "needs to be alert"?

Situations requiring someone to "needs to be alert" include driving, monitoring critical systems, guarding premises, proofreading documents, or during negotiations. Any scenario where attentiveness and quick reactions are crucial might require one /s/might+require+one to "needs to be alert".