Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
needs to be installed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "needs to be installed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to something that needs to be set up or put into place in order to work correctly. For example, "This new software needs to be installed before it can be used."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Wiki
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Google Play is the application store from where you can download all the available applications for the Android platform; even the updated version of the installed applications needs to be installed from Google Play.
Wiki
There are several online resources for learning R. Shiny is a package for R developed by RStudio, and needs to be installed in a given R installation.
When you consider the fact that Flash needs to be installed (as opposed to HTML5, which requires no installation), it's easy to see why in the long term, it didn't stand a chance.
News & Media
SQLite needs to be installed.
Academia
To compile the source code, gsl needs to be installed.
PingER makes use of carefully selected existing hosts and software only needs to be installed at the monitor hosts.
Academia
For example, a particular processor-based subsystem needs to be installed only if a particular option is installed.
However, OpenSSL needs to be installed to use HTTPS with Ohio State University DECthreads HTTP Server (OSU).
If a better, or greener, heat-generating technology comes along it only needs to be installed in the central heating station.
News & Media
(An interrupter usually needs to be installed when an outlet is near or exposed to water; it generally costs less than $10).
News & Media
Everything else needs to be installed from the Sony SmartConnect app, which handles the management of the smartwatch and is available for free in the Google Play store.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing instructions, use "needs to be installed" to clearly indicate mandatory setup steps for software or hardware components.
Common error
While "needs to be installed" is grammatically sound, overuse can make writing seem passive. Consider rephrasing for active voice, such as "you must install" to enhance clarity and directness.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "needs to be installed" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that something requires installation for proper operation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it applies to software, hardware, and various systems.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
25%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Academia
13%
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "needs to be installed" is a grammatically correct and common passive verb phrase used to indicate that something requires installation before it can function correctly. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It appears frequently in science, news, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, consider if an active voice construction might be clearer. While acceptable in various contexts, ensuring the tone matches the audience is essential. Related phrases include "must be set up" and "requires installation", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
must be set up
Emphasizes the requirement for setting up the component.
has to be set up
Similar to "must be set up", but with a slightly less formal tone.
requires installation
Focuses on the act of installation as a necessity.
demands to be set up
Highlights the essential nature of the setup process.
is required to be set up
States the requirement for setting up in a formal way.
is essential to install
Emphasizes the critical importance of installation.
should be installed
Suggests installation as a recommended action.
has to be fitted
Focuses on the physical act of fitting or attaching something.
requires to be fitted
Highlights the essential nature of the fitting process.
must be plugged in
Implies a need for a physical connection or setup.
FAQs
How do I use "needs to be installed" in a sentence?
Use "needs to be installed" to indicate a requirement for setting up software or hardware. For example, "The new driver "needs to be installed" before you can use the printer."
What can I say instead of "needs to be installed"?
You can use alternatives like "must be set up", "requires installation", or "is required to be set up" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "needs to be installed" or "needs installation"?
"Needs to be installed" is a passive construction indicating a requirement for setup. "Needs installation" is a shorter, less formal version. Both are acceptable, but ""needs to be installed"" is generally preferred in formal writing.
What's the difference between "should be installed" and "needs to be installed"?
"Needs to be installed" indicates a necessity, whereas "should be installed" suggests a recommendation. Use "needs" when something is mandatory for proper functioning, and "should" when it's beneficial but not strictly required.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested