needs to be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'needs to be defined' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you think that a concept, term, or idea should be clarified or more specific in some way. For example, if you are discussing a social issue, you might say "The exact boundaries of this issue needs to be defined."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It needs to be defined as a disease," he said.

Independent

This model clearly needs to be defined into a framework as a prototype for everyone.

The Guardian

Now there's so much of so many things that nothing can or needs to be defined.

The New York Times - Arts

The medium needs to be defined.

TechCrunch

Only an upper limit needs to be defined.

Optics Communications

And some delegates think the organization's program needs to be defined better as well.

Science Magazine

For a complete QoS solution, network and service management for DiffServ networks needs to be defined.

Computer Networks

This function had a single parameter β that needs to be defined prior to the simulation.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

But what needs to be defined is the different forms it can take.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Member ship function needs to be defined to develop the FIS.

Journal of Cloud Computing

'context' needs to be defined with respect to evaluative resources within academic texts.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be defined", ensure that the context clearly indicates what requires definition. Be specific about the aspect that lacks clarity to guide the reader effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be defined" without clearly specifying what concept or term requires definition. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be defined" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a requirement or necessity for a definition to be established. Ludwig examples confirm its use across diverse contexts, indicating that some concept requires clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be defined" is a grammatically sound construction commonly used to emphasize the necessity of clarifying a concept or term. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Appearing frequently in scientific and news media, its function is to highlight a lack of clarity and advocate for a precise definition. While versatile, the phrase benefits from a specific context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "requires clarification" or "should be clarified" can offer nuanced emphasis. In conclusion, "needs to be defined" is a reliable and frequently used tool for pointing out the need for greater precision in language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains to be defined

Indicates that something has not yet been defined and is waiting to be.

is yet to be defined

Highlights that the definition process is incomplete or hasn't even started.

is in need of definition

Emphasizes the current state of lacking a proper definition.

should be clarified

Suggests a recommendation for making something clearer and more comprehensible.

requires clarification

Focuses on the lack of clarity and the necessity to make something more understandable.

calls for a definition

Highlights an explicit need or request for a definition to be provided.

demands specification

Highlights the need for something to be stated explicitly and in detail.

warrants definition

Indicates that something deserves a formal or precise explanation.

must be elucidated

Emphasizes the need to shed light on something that is currently obscure or confusing.

begs the question of definition

Suggests that the lack of a definition is a significant and pressing issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be defined" when referring to a term, concept, or idea that requires clarification. For example, "The scope of the project "needs to be defined" before proceeding".

What are some alternatives to "needs to be defined"?

Alternatives include phrases like "requires clarification", "should be clarified", or "must be elucidated", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to use "needs to be defined" or "should be defined"?

Both "needs to be defined" and "should be defined" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "Needs to be defined" implies a necessity, while "should be defined" suggests a recommendation. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the urgency or simply suggest a course of action.

What does it mean when something "remains to be defined"?

When something "remains to be defined", it means that its definition has not yet been established or agreed upon. This suggests that further work or discussion is required to establish a clear understanding.