needs to be cleared

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs to be cleared" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing something that must be done or resolved in order to reach a desired outcome. For example, "The path to our destination needs to be cleared of obstacles before we can proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That needs to be cleared up".

The New Yorker

This affair needs to be cleared up.

The Guardian - Business

That needs to be cleared up quickly".

The New Yorker

"That's something that needs to be cleared up".

The New York Times

So yes of course the camp needs to be cleared.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's no air that needs to be cleared," Thomas said.

The New York Times - Sports

Wherever Ibrahimovic goes, a space needs to be cleared.

The Guardian - Sport

"We've created a mess, and this mess needs to be cleared up," he said.

The New York Times

The delays are partly a result of the volume of material that needs to be cleared.

The New York Times

The deal still needs to be cleared by anti-trust regulators around the world.

The Guardian - Business

"It needs to be cleared off in some fashion one way or another," Quinn said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needs to be cleared" when indicating that something requires removal, clarification, or resolution before further action can proceed. It's often used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive voice "needs to be cleared" with an active construction when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. The passive voice emphasizes the object of the action, maintaining clarity and focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be cleared" functions as a passive construction, indicating a requirement for an action to be performed on a subject. Ludwig AI validates this usage as grammatically correct and widely applicable, as showcased by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be cleared" is a grammatically sound passive construction that conveys the necessity for resolution, removal, or clarification. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly used in news and media contexts, this phrase is suitable for neutral and professional communication. Alternative expressions include "requires clarification" and "must be resolved". When using this phrase, ensure the passive voice aligns with your focus, emphasizing the object acted upon. The substantial presence of "needs to be cleared" in reputable sources confirms its widespread and appropriate use in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be addressed

Focuses on the need to confront and deal with a problem or issue directly.

has to be resolved

Indicates a requirement for a solution, similar to "must be resolved" but slightly less formal.

must be resolved

Highlights the urgency and importance of finding a solution or ending a problem.

should be addressed

Suggests that something needs attention and action to be dealt with effectively.

calls for a solution

Emphasizes the need for a specific solution to a problem or issue.

requires clarification

Emphasizes the necessity for making something more understandable or less ambiguous.

demands attention

Stresses the importance and urgency of dealing with a particular issue.

should be rectified

Implies that something is wrong and needs to be corrected or made right.

warrants investigation

Suggests that a matter is serious enough to require a thorough examination.

begs the question

Highlights that something raises an important question that must be answered.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be cleared" in a sentence?

You can use "needs to be cleared" to indicate that something requires resolution or removal. For example, "The misunderstanding "needs to be cleared" before we can proceed."

What's a good alternative to "needs to be cleared"?

Alternatives include "requires clarification", "must be resolved", or "should be addressed", depending on the specific context.

Is "needs to be cleared" formal or informal?

"Needs to be cleared" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. The formality largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the situation.

What does it mean when something "needs to be cleared"?

It typically means that an obstacle, issue, or uncertainty must be removed or resolved before further progress can be made. The phrase can be applied both literally (e.g., "The road "needs to be cleared" of snow") and figuratively (e.g., "The air "needs to be cleared" between them").