needs to be told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be told" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that must be communicated to other people. For example, "The story of her success needs to be told."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It all needs to be told".

The New York Times

That story needs to be told.

The New York Times

Its incredible story needs to be told".

The New York Times

Needs to be told.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And the history needs to be told.

University of California, Berkeley

Their story needs to be told.

The New York Times

He needs to be told he's got huge potential.

Independent

He knows nothing that posterity needs to be told about".

The Guardian - Books

"I think he needs to be told that right now.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody in Spain needs to be told this, of course.

The New York Times - Food

Nobody in the power elite needs to be told.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "needs to be told" when you want to emphasize the importance or necessity of communicating a particular story, fact, or piece of information to an audience.

Common error

While "needs to be told" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing with an active voice construction if appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be told" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that something requires or deserves to be communicated. It emphasizes the necessity of sharing a story, fact, or piece of information, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be told" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that emphasizes the importance of communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the necessity of sharing information across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When employing this phrase, consider its impact and potential alternatives to enhance clarity and impact. Remember, the story "needs to be told" effectively!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is essential to communicate

Underlines the crucial nature of the information being shared.

is important to convey

Highlights the significance of transferring information effectively.

should be brought to light

Suggests uncovering something that has been hidden or ignored.

should be communicated

Focuses on the act of conveying information, emphasizing its importance.

demands to be disclosed

Highlights the urgency and necessity of making information publicly available.

must be shared

Highlights the idea of disseminating information to a wider audience.

requires articulation

Implies that the information is complex and requires careful and precise expression.

ought to be revealed

Implies that something is currently hidden but deserves to be brought to light.

deserves to be voiced

Emphasizes the right to express something, often in the face of opposition.

warrants discussion

Suggests a need for thorough examination and debate about a topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be told" to emphasize the importance of sharing a particular story or piece of information. For example, "This story "needs to be told" to raise awareness."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "should be communicated", "must be shared", or "ought to be revealed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "needs to be told" or "should be told"?

"Needs to be told" emphasizes necessity, while "should be told" suggests advisability. The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of importance you want to convey.

How does using "needs to be told" affect the tone of my writing?

Using "needs to be told" can create a sense of urgency or importance around the information being conveyed. It suggests that the information is not just interesting, but crucial for the audience to know.