needs to be said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of expressing a particular thought or opinion that may be overlooked or avoided. Example: "In this discussion about climate change, there are some uncomfortable truths that need to be said."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That needs to be said.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, it needs to be said.

The New York Times

No more needs to be said.

Independent

(The name needs to be said aloud).

The New York Times - Food

Nothing more needs to be said.

The Guardian - Opinion

What else needs to be said?

The New York Times

What more needs to be said?

The Guardian - Books

One more thing needs to be said.

The New York Times - Sports

Here he is, saying what most needs to be said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Something analogous needs to be said by the personality theorist.

Yale University

All this hardly needs to be said again.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needs to be said" when emphasizing the urgency or importance of expressing something that might be uncomfortable or overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be said" for obvious or insignificant statements. It diminishes the phrase's impact when used too frequently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be said" functions as a modal verb phrase emphasizing the necessity or importance of making a statement. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts where directness is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be said" is a versatile and commonly used modal verb phrase that emphasizes the importance of making a particular statement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it's generally neutral in tone, it's best reserved for situations where the message is truly significant to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is imperative to state

Stresses the urgency and importance.

is essential to convey

Highlights the critical nature of the message.

must be stated

Emphasizes obligation rather than necessity.

has to be expressed

Highlights obligation and articulation.

cannot be left unsaid

Highlights the consequences of not speaking up.

requires articulation

Focuses on the need for clear expression.

should be mentioned

Suggests advisability instead of requirement.

demands to be voiced

Emphasizes the pressing need for expression.

is important to mention

Focuses on the significance of the information.

warrants mentioning

Implies justification for bringing something up.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be said" to emphasize the importance of a statement, as in "This is an uncomfortable truth, but it "needs to be said"."

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

Alternatives include "must be stated", "should be mentioned", or "is imperative to state", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "needs to be said"?

It's appropriate when you feel something important or potentially difficult "cannot be left unsaid". It signals that the information is crucial for understanding or progress.

Is "needs to be said" formal or informal?

"Needs to be said" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.