needs to be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be done" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something must be completed or attended to. Example: "The project needs to be done by Friday, so we need to work quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More needs to be done.

The New York Times

"Something needs to be done".

The New York Times

They know what needs to be done.

The New York Times

I think it needs to be done.

The New Yorker

That needs to be done in partnership.

Independent

But much still needs to be done.

The Economist

More needs to be done onshore.

The Economist

It desperately needs to be done.

The New York Times

Much certainly needs to be done.

The Economist

Much more research needs to be done.

The Economist

Something needs to be done, but what?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be done", ensure the subject performing the action is clear from the context. Clarity prevents ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be done" excessively in passive voice. Instead, rephrase sentences to use active voice where possible for more direct and engaging writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be done" functions as a modal expression indicating necessity or obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it conveys that a certain action or task is required. Examples in Ludwig show its versatile use across different contexts to emphasize what is essential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be done" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that a task or action is required and should be addressed. With a neutral register, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. Alternative phrases like "must be completed" or "has to be done" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in context and avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain effective communication. This versatile expression serves as a straightforward way to emphasize essential actions across various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be completed

This alternative emphasizes the obligatory nature of finishing a task.

has to be done

This phrase provides a more informal way of expressing necessity.

should be done

This suggests a recommendation or expectation, rather than a strict requirement.

requires completion

This alternative uses more formal language to highlight the necessity of finishing something.

is required

This option highlights the necessity of something in a direct and concise manner.

demands action

This phrase emphasizes the urgency and importance of taking action.

calls for action

Similar to "demands action", this suggests a need for immediate steps to be taken.

warrants attention

This suggests that something deserves to be looked at or addressed carefully.

is imperative

This highlights the critical importance of something being done.

is essential

This option emphasizes that something is absolutely necessary.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "requires completion", "is required", or "is imperative".

What's a more casual way to say "needs to be done"?

In casual contexts, you can use "has to be done" or "should be done depending on the level of necessity".

How to use "needs to be done" in a sentence?

You can use "needs to be done" to indicate that a task or action is necessary. For example, "The report needs to be done by Friday".

What's the difference between "needs to be done" and "should be done"?

"Needs to be done" implies a requirement or necessity, while "should be done" suggests a recommendation or expectation. The former carries a stronger sense of urgency.