needs to be held

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs to be held" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing something or someone that requires physical support or assistance. For example: - The fragile antique vase needs to be held with care. - The injured athlete needs to be held up by crutches. - The crying toddler needs to be held by their mother. - The patient's head needs to be held still during the medical procedure. - The ladder needs to be held steady while I climb up to fix the lightbulb.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Someone needs to be held liable".

The New York Times

He needs to be held to account.

The Guardian

Someone needs to be held responsible for this despicable act".

Independent

"He needs to be held accountable," Mr. Collins said.

The New York Times

Whoever is responsible needs to be held to account.

The Guardian - Arts

Everybody needs to be held accountable for their own mistakes.

The New York Times

Yes, Goldman needs to be held accountable for his tweet.

Harvard Business Review

Absolutely disgusting, someone needs to be held accountable.

The Telegraph

Every school needs to be held accountable to the same high standard regardless of tax structure.

The New York Times

"That's not our system of government and he needs to be held to account for that".

The Guardian

The austerity debate, Stuckler says, is "a public discussion that needs to be held.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be held" to describe accountability, specify who needs to be held accountable and for what actions to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be held" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "the company needs to be held responsible", consider "the authorities should hold the company responsible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be held" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating a requirement or necessity. It can describe a physical need for support or a more abstract need for accountability, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples regarding babies or responsible parties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be held" is a versatile expression indicating a requirement or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. Primarily found in news and media, its usage spans from physical support to accountability. While the phrase is generally neutral, context dictates its precise meaning. When using "needs to be held", ensure clarity by specifying who or what requires holding and the reason behind it. Remember to consider whether an active voice might be more direct and impactful. With its widespread applicability, "needs to be held" remains a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be supported

Focuses on the provision of assistance or encouragement.

must be maintained

Emphasizes the necessity of upkeep and preservation.

demands accountability

Shifts the focus to responsibility and justification.

has to be secured

Highlights the importance of ensuring stability and protection.

ought to be safeguarded

Focuses on protection from harm or danger.

requires to be retained

Implies a demand for keeping something in possession or memory.

requires to be sustained

Highlights the need for continuous support and preservation.

must be cradled

Suggests a gentle and protective manner of holding.

should be embraced

Conveys a sense of acceptance and support.

should be cherished

Implies a high degree of value and affection.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be held" to describe something requiring physical support, like "the baby "babies need to be held"", or to indicate accountability, like "someone "needs to be held accountable" for the mistake".

What are some alternatives to saying "needs to be held"?

Alternatives include "must be maintained", "should be supported", or "requires attention" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "needs to be held accountable" or "should be held accountable"?

Both "needs to be held accountable" and "should be held accountable" are correct. "Needs" implies a stronger necessity, while "should" suggests a recommendation.

When is it more appropriate to use "needs to be held" versus "must be held"?

"Needs to be held" suggests a requirement based on current circumstances, while "must be held" implies a more stringent obligation or rule. The choice depends on the degree of necessity you wish to convey.