needs to be doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ongoing actions or responsibilities that someone is required to perform. Example: "She needs to be doing her homework every evening to keep up with her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He needs to be doing more of that.

The New York Times - Arts

"He needs to be doing what's important for local people and this isn't good for Rochdale".

Independent

But these are no longer the primary things a UN refugee agency needs to be doing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But it's O.K., this is what he needs to be doing now".

The New York Times

"I'm probably the No. 1 guy that needs to be doing that".

The New York Times - Sports

Call a company "Shazam", and it needs to be doing something magical.

The Guardian - Tech

"If a player is not doing what he needs to be doing, he needs to be taught better.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the manager's job to translate that into what his or her team needs to be doing every day.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What do you think your paper says about adaptation and what the world needs to be doing now about adaptation?

Yale University

"The Sheriff's Department needs to be doing a better job of controlling these costs," said Howard Weitzman, the county comptroller.

The New York Times

But they are also a reminder that the United States needs to be doing a lot more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needs to be doing" to convey a sense of requirement or obligation. For suggestions or recommendations, consider using alternatives like "should be doing" or "could be doing".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "needs to be doing" can sound informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using stronger or more precise alternatives like "is required to perform" or "must undertake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be doing" functions as a modal construction indicating necessity coupled with an ongoing action. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide applicability across various contexts, expressing requirements, obligations, or expected behaviors. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be doing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for expressing ongoing requirements or obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its applications span diverse contexts, from academic discussions to news reports, though its formality is neutral. While "needs to be doing" is broadly applicable, it's important to consider the specific nuance and formality of the writing context to select the most appropriate phrasing. Alternatives such as "should be doing" or "must be doing" may be preferable depending on the intended emphasis. Ludwig's examples provide a practical understanding of its correct usage and range of applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be doing

Indicates an expected or recommended action, differing from a strict necessity.

ought to be doing

Expresses a moral obligation or advisability, slightly more formal than "should".

must be doing

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation or requirement.

has to be doing

Similar to "must", but often implies an external requirement or circumstance.

is required to be doing

More formal and emphasizes the existence of a rule or regulation.

is supposed to be doing

Implies an expectation or agreement, which may not always be fulfilled.

is expected to be doing

Focuses on the anticipation or expectation of an action.

is meant to be doing

Suggests a purpose or intention behind the action.

is tasked with doing

Highlights the assignment of a specific responsibility or duty.

is in the process of doing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action rather than the necessity.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be doing" to indicate an ongoing action or responsibility. For example, "She needs to be doing her homework" or "The company needs to be doing more to improve customer service".

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

Alternatives include "should be doing", "ought to be doing", "must be doing", or "has to be doing", depending on the level of obligation you want to convey.

Is "needs to do" grammatically the same as "needs to be doing"?

While both are correct, "needs to do" typically refers to a completed action, while "needs to be doing" suggests an ongoing action or process. For example, "He needs to do his taxes" (one-time action) versus "He needs to be doing his homework regularly" (ongoing process).

When is it more appropriate to use "should be doing" instead of "needs to be doing"?

"Should be doing" is more appropriate when expressing a suggestion or recommendation, whereas "needs to be doing" indicates a requirement or obligation. For example, "He should be doing more exercise" (recommendation) versus "He needs to be doing his job effectively" (requirement).