needs to be sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be sought" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to something which requires seeking out or searching for. For example, "The solutions to this complex problem needs to be sought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But now that variety needs to be sought in sources of energy, rather than sources of oil alone.

The Economist

Individual data items are of no interest or relevance unless they meet some very exact criteria – and for these to be examined, specific permission needs to be sought.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's just a characteristic of being in a remote location and that's leaving aside the issues of the logistics when someone needs to be moved out and the bureaucratic delays when approval needs to be sought through multiple agencies".

The Guardian

If confirmed, a proper interpretation needs to be sought.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

For this reason, corroborative evidence needs to be sought in other species.

Plosone

Complementary efforts to reach children needs to be sought.

BMC Oral Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"The competitiveness and innovation game is changing very quickly, and [the United States] needs to be seeking the greatest return on our investments," he says.

Science Magazine

Still, while the evidence of these chemicals' health consequences may be far from conclusive, safer alternatives need to be sought.

The New Yorker

There are supply side policies that stress improvement and quality; these need to be sought out and developed.

The Guardian - Opinion

BOSTON — In the basketball sanctuary known as Boston's new Garden, history does not need to be sought out.

The New York Times - Sports

"But there are people who are here illegally who have no intention of becoming citizens and who seek to do harm, and they need to be sought, found and returned to where they came from".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be sought", ensure the subject clearly indicates what requires discovery or procurement. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be sought" in simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For example, instead of "Information needs to be sought", consider "Seek information".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "needs to be sought" is to express a necessity for something to be actively looked for or discovered. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English, indicating that something requires seeking out or searching for. The examples provided show the phrase in action, indicating this necessity across various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be sought" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates a necessity for something to be actively searched for or discovered. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in scientific, news, and formal business contexts suggests a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct language would suffice. Remember that understanding its nuances, alternatives, and potential pitfalls will elevate your writing and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be pursued

Emphasizes active striving or chasing after something.

must be obtained

Highlights the necessity of acquiring something, often through a formal process.

has to be found

Focuses on the act of locating or discovering something that is missing or unknown.

requires investigation

Suggests a need for detailed inquiry and examination.

demands exploration

Implies a need to venture into the unknown to uncover something.

warrants inquiry

Indicates justification for asking questions and seeking information.

calls for research

Specifies the need for systematic study and investigation.

should be looked into

Suggests a more casual, preliminary investigation.

necessitates discovery

Highlights that discovery is not just preferred, but essential.

is essential to uncover

The action of uncovering is fundamental in this alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "needs to be sought" when referring to something that requires active searching or discovery. For instance, "A solution to this problem "needs to be sought" immediately."

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

You can use alternatives like "should be pursued", "must be obtained", or "has to be found" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "needs to be sought" or "should be sought"?

"Needs to be sought" implies a stronger necessity than "should be sought". Use ""needs to be sought"" when something is essential, whereas "should be sought" suggests a recommendation.

Is "needs to be sought" formal or informal?

"Needs to be sought" is generally considered neutral to formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "has to be found" might be preferable.