needs to be read

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs to be read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a document, book, or other literary work that needs to be read. For example: "This book needs to be read by everyone in the group before our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It just needs to be read.

The New Yorker

This book needs to be read with caution.

The New York Times - Books

It needs to be read when you're young.

The Guardian

That's why the end of "Strip" needs to be read so carefully.

The New York Times - Books

This is a quietly powerful book that needs to be read in silence.

The Economist

So subtle is Cervantes that he needs to be read at as many levels as Dante.

The Guardian - Books

It needs to be read on a table but is no coffee-table book.

The Guardian - Film

It is a small group and the statistical work needs to be read cautiously, they say.

The Guardian

The information is there because it needs to be read before you consider applying.

The Guardian

It needs to be read and that seems, I believe to almost everybody, exhausting.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem, of course, is that the bankruptcy code is somewhat technical and needs to be read in context.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needs to be read" to emphasize the importance or necessity of reading a specific text or document.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be read" when the active voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The report needs to be read by someone", consider "Someone needs to read the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be read" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express that something is required or essential to be read. The examples show its applicability across various document types and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be read" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that emphasizes the necessity of reading something. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what should be read and consider active voice alternatives for conciseness. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "needs to be read" into your writing to convey the importance of specific content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be read

This alternative uses "should" instead of "needs", indicating a recommendation rather than a necessity.

must be read

This alternative replaces "needs" with "must", emphasizing a stronger obligation or requirement to read.

requires reading

This version uses a gerund ("reading") instead of the passive infinitive, shifting the focus slightly to the act of reading itself.

demands to be read

This alternative uses "demands", suggesting a strong imperative or urgency for reading.

is essential reading

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the material as a whole, rather than the action of reading.

warrants a read

This alternative uses a more informal and concise phrasing, suggesting that something is worth reading.

is worth reading

This alternative focuses on the value or benefit of reading the material.

calls for careful reading

This alternative emphasizes the importance of reading with attention and scrutiny.

merits careful study

This alternative suggests a deeper level of engagement than simply reading, implying a need for detailed analysis.

begs for attention

This alternative uses figurative language to express the urgent need for the text to be read.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be read" to indicate that something is essential or important to read. For example, "This document "needs to be read" before the meeting".

What's a formal alternative to "needs to be read"?

A more formal alternative could be "requires reading" or "should be reviewed". For instance, "This proposal "requires reading" prior to approval".

How does "needs to be read" differ from "should be read"?

"Needs to be read" implies a necessity or requirement, whereas "should be read" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. The former is stronger in tone and indicates a greater level of importance.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "needs to be read"?

Ensure that the subject requiring the action is clearly defined to avoid confusion. Avoid using it in contexts where the active voice is clearer and more direct.