Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
needs to be completed by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "needs to be completed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a deadline or timeframe for when a task or requirement should be finished. Example: "The project needs to be completed by the end of the month to meet our timeline."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
22 human-written examples
The NIC recognises that an energy transition away from oil and gas needs to be "completed" by 2025.
News & Media
This study needs to be completed by a final validation in myeloma patients, free from oral anticancer therapies.
Science
Industrial training is a compulsory element that needs to be completed by students registering at the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, UKM.
Alison Brittain, director of Lloyds' retail division, said 500 new jobs were also being created to facilitate the sale, which under the rules set out by Europe needs to be completed by November 2013.
News & Media
Our student staffing needs to be completed by the start of classes.
Academia
For example, if you have client work that needs to be completed by year-end, that will obviously take top priority on your goal list.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
38 human-written examples
We are reduced to cliches, as needing to be completed by a husband or children.
News & Media
All applications need to be completed by October 1 and applications not completed by that date may not be considered.
Academia
Saturdays started at 7 a.m., with the list of housecleaning chores that needed to be completed by the afternoon.
News & Media
These forms need to be completed by the main campus Registrar's Office, located at 120 Sproul.
Thus, when a more specialized algorithm is derived from a more abstract one, proofs and complexity analysis can be reused, and simply need to be completed by proving that the properties assumed for the concrete methods indeed hold.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When setting deadlines, be realistic and consider potential roadblocks. Ensure the timeframe for what "needs to be completed by" is achievable and clearly communicated to all parties involved.
Common error
Avoid setting a deadline without first assessing the resources required to complete the task. Failing to provide adequate tools or manpower can lead to missed deadlines and compromised quality. Always align resources with the timeline when determining what "needs to be completed by" a specific date.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "needs to be completed by" functions as a passive construction indicating a requirement and specifying a deadline. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to denote when an action or task must be finalized.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Science
33%
Academia
17%
Less common in
Wiki
8%
Formal & Business
4%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "needs to be completed by" is a common and grammatically correct way to specify a deadline. Ludwig's examples indicate its versatility, appearing in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While "needs to be completed by" is suitable for diverse writing purposes, remember to consider the tone, formality, and context when choosing an alternative.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
must be finished by
Replaces "needs" with a stronger obligation using "must", emphasizing a firm deadline.
should be finalized by
Substitutes "completed" with "finalized", suggesting a process of making something complete or definite.
has to be done by
Uses "has to be done" to indicate necessity, providing a more direct and forceful alternative.
is required to be finished by
Adds formality by using "is required", highlighting a mandatory aspect of the completion.
is expected to be completed by
Replaces "needs" with "is expected", shifting the focus to anticipation rather than necessity.
is due by
Shortens the phrase while retaining the meaning of a deadline, using "due" to specify the final date.
must be submitted by
Specifies "submitted" as the action to be completed, appropriate for tasks involving submission.
is scheduled for completion by
Highlights that the completion is part of a planned schedule.
is targeted for completion by
Indicates that the completion date is a target or goal.
is slated to be finished by
Uses "slated" to suggest that the completion is officially planned or expected.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "needs to be completed by" to sound more formal?
For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives such as "is required to be finished by" or "is scheduled for completion by" depending on the context.
What's a shorter way to say "needs to be completed by"?
A shorter alternative is "is due by", which effectively conveys the deadline without additional words.
Is there a difference between "needs to be completed by" and "should be completed by"?
"Needs to be completed by" indicates a requirement or necessity for completion by a specific time. "Should be completed by" suggests a recommended or preferred completion time, but with less urgency. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the obligation level.
What are some common tasks that "need to be completed by" a certain deadline?
Common examples include submitting reports, finishing projects, paying bills, and completing applications. These tasks often have strict deadlines that "need to be completed by" to avoid penalties or ensure timely processing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested