needs to be hidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be hidden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something should be kept secret or not revealed. For example, "He had a big secret that needs to be hidden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Truth needs to be hidden," one character muses.

The New Yorker

That love no longer needs to be hidden behind an adobe wall.

The New York Times

"Most homeowners subscribe to the idea that medicine is ugly and needs to be hidden," he said.

The New York Times

I have since heard arguments made for the burqa in which the woman is portrayed as a diamond ring or a precious stone that needs to be hidden to prove her "worth".

The New York Times

The problem is that by ignoring it — as well as gliding rather too fast over the gang attacks on the other people in Central Park on April 19 — it seems as if there were something here that needs to be hidden.

The New York Times

He says that "the underground is a good measure of the progress and the health of nations," that "when much is wrong, much needs to be hidden," that black market activity recedes "in importance when our public morality is consistent with our private one".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Pipes need to be hidden.

The New York Times

Clinton's underlying health wasn't really the problem here; the problem was hiding something that didn't need to be hidden.

The New Yorker

When Adeline was three, Epiphanie left her in the forest, believing that the genocide was continuing and she needed to be hidden.

The Guardian

Gradually, though, as they realised not all their data needed to be hidden away, they published information on the wider internet as well.

The Guardian

So he thought that he, Tom MacMaster, had an identity interesting enough to prove to be a distraction, to the extent that it needed to be hidden behind one that was suitably abstract and invisible, and that "Amina" fit the bill?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be hidden", consider the specific reason for concealment. Is it for protection, privacy, or deception? Choose synonyms that reflect the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

While "needs to be hidden" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rewriting the sentence to use active voice where appropriate. For example, instead of "The evidence needs to be hidden", you could say "They must hide the evidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be hidden" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing necessity or obligation. It indicates that something requires concealment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

21%

HuffPost

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be hidden" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying that something requires concealment. It appears across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to consider the specific reason for concealment and choose synonyms accordingly to enhance clarity. Be mindful of overusing passive voice and explore active voice alternatives where appropriate. Considering the frequency with which this term is used, it is an important phrase to understand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be concealed

Focuses on the act of concealing, implying a deliberate effort to keep something secret.

ought to be kept secret

Emphasizes the obligation or advisability of maintaining secrecy.

requires obfuscation

Highlights the need to make something unclear or unintelligible.

must be shielded from view

Suggests protecting something from being seen or known.

demands discretion

Stresses the need for careful and restrained behavior to avoid revealing something.

warrants secrecy

Indicates that the situation justifies keeping something secret.

is best kept under wraps

Emphasizes the benefit of keeping something secret for now.

calls for concealment

Highlights that the situation necessitates hiding something.

is not meant to be seen

Emphasizes that something is intentionally not intended for public view.

must remain undisclosed

Focuses on the necessity of not revealing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be hidden" to indicate that something should be kept secret or not revealed. For example, "The truth about the experiment "needs to be hidden" to prevent public panic".

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

Some alternatives include "should be concealed", "ought to be kept secret", or "requires obfuscation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "needs to be hidden"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something should not be made public or easily accessible, often due to sensitivity, danger, or strategic reasons. For instance, "Confidential information "needs to be hidden" from unauthorized personnel".

Is there a difference between "needs to be hidden" and "must be hidden"?

While both phrases indicate a requirement for concealment, "must be hidden" implies a stronger, more urgent necessity. "Needs to be hidden" suggests a general requirement, whereas "must be hidden" suggests a critical or unavoidable need.