needs to be used

USAGE SUMMARY

'needs to be used' is a correct and usable phrase in written English when expressing obligation or necessity.
For example: "This coupon needs to be used before the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Apartheid is apartheid and if its being practiced to separate Israelis from Palestinians, then the word needs to be used.

HuffPost

Self-hate needs to be used sparingly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it needs to be used for diabetes.

The Guardian - Opinion

I would agree that military force needs to be used.

Independent

Intelligence needs to be used far more effectively to target suspicious athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

I think foreign aid needs to be used to encourage markets and reform.

The New York Times

It needs to be used with care but can have a wonderful effect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

others that this economic crisis needs to be used to change the economic growth paradigm.

The Guardian

"What happens at the other carriers needs to be used at Northwest," he said.

The New York Times

Everywhere there is vacant housing that needs to be used better.

The Guardian - Books

Whatever happened last season needs to be used as a lesson.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific context to determine if a more formal or informal synonym of "needs to be used" would be more appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be used" too frequently in informal writing, as it can sound unnecessarily formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "should be used" or "can be used" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be used" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something requires utilization or application. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be used" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey necessity or obligation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's important to consider context and choose simpler alternatives when appropriate to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary formality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, emphasizing its role in expressing requirements across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be employed

Replaces "needs" with "should", softening the sense of obligation.

must be utilized

Substitutes "needs" with "must" and "used" with the more formal "utilized", strengthening the sense of obligation.

has to be implemented

Replaces "needs" with "has to" and "used" with "implemented", emphasizing a practical application.

requires application

Changes the structure to emphasize the requirement of application.

is required to be implemented

Uses a more formal and explicit structure to express the necessity.

is essential for application

Focuses on the essential nature of the application.

demands to be employed

Uses "demands" to convey a stronger sense of urgency or importance.

necessitates utilization

Employs a more formal and less common vocabulary.

warrants implementation

Suggests that implementation is justified or appropriate.

calls for employment

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate the need for employment.

FAQs

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

Alternatives include "should be employed", "must be utilized", or "has to be implemented" depending on the level of formality required.

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

The phrase "needs to be used" typically indicates a requirement or necessity. For example, "This tool needs to be used carefully" or "The data needs to be used to inform our decisions."

Is there a difference between "needs to be used" and "should be used"?

"Needs to be used" implies a stronger requirement than "should be used". The latter suggests a recommendation, while the former indicates a necessity.

When is it appropriate to use "needs to be used" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "needs to be used" in situations where emphasizing the necessity of an action is important, such as in instructions, guidelines, or formal reports. Use alternatives like "must be utilized" when you want to emphasize the formal tone.