needs to be worked out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be worked out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a problem or situation that requires resolution or further consideration. Example: "The details of the project still need to be worked out before we can proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something needs to be worked out for them.

The New York Times

However, I argue that such comprehensive attempt needs to be worked out and underpinned in more detail.

Cognitive Systems Research

But it needs to be worked out with great care and sensibility.

The Guardian - Books

Prof Easton: @pidge1310 - indeed this all needs to be worked out with further research and this will take some time.

The Guardian

The precise mechanism still needs to be worked out, and nobody pretends the method would be foolproof (particularly if monetary policy pointed the other way).

The Economist

Neuberger said: "An approach to litigation costs based on value-pricing rather than hourly billing is one which urgently needs to be worked out and applied".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And I think a study back in 1997 suggested that there may be a genetic predisposition but that still needs to be worked out more.

The Guardian - Sport

Officials said the deal, which still needs to be worked out in detail, was the fruit of recent meetings among the presidential Élysée Palace, the French Treasury, the Bank of France and the French banking federation.

The New York Times

Though much more still needs to be worked out, the study suggests that a blood test or other non-invasive way to detect ALS and frontotemporal dementia could soon be within reach.

Columbia University

One issue that needs to be worked out is whether Doug Morris, the well-regarded chief executive of Universal Music Group, will report to Mr. Fourtou or Mr. Diller, according to a person close to Universal.

The New York Times

Evidence of what works in these situations needs to be worked out in real time, through careful experimentation that starts with hypothesis, carries out small-scale prototyping, learns from what works and doesn't work and adjusts accordingly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be worked out", ensure the context clearly indicates what requires further attention. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be worked out" without specifying what exactly requires resolution. Vague usage can weaken your writing and leave the reader confused. Instead of saying "the details need to be worked out", be more specific: "the budget allocation needs to be worked out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be worked out" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or requirement. It suggests that a particular issue, plan, or detail requires further attention, development, or resolution before progress can be made. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be worked out" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something requires further attention or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While its register is generally neutral, more formal language may be preferred in some settings. Related phrases include "requires further development" and "demands further clarification". When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context clearly specifies what requires further attention to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires further development

This alternative emphasizes the need for additional progress or refinement.

demands further clarification

This option highlights the necessity for clearer understanding and explanation.

calls for resolution

This phrase focuses on the need to find a solution to a problem or issue.

remains to be resolved

This indicates that a solution is still pending.

is yet to be finalized

This alternative suggests that details are not yet complete or agreed upon.

necessitates further attention

Highlights the requirement for more focus and consideration.

is in need of refinement

This suggests that the current state requires improvement and fine-tuning.

requires additional effort

Emphasizes the need for more work or exertion.

must be addressed further

This option highlights the urgency and importance of dealing with the issue.

needs to be clarified

This focuses specifically on the lack of clarity and the need for better understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be worked out" to indicate that something requires further attention or resolution. For example, "The logistics of the event still "needs to be worked out"" or "Our differences "needs to be worked out" before moving forward".

What can I say instead of "needs to be worked out"?

Alternatives include phrases like "requires further development", "demands further clarification", or "calls for resolution", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "needs to be worked out" in formal writing?

Yes, "needs to be worked out" is acceptable in formal writing, although more precise alternatives might be preferred depending on the specific context. Phrases like "requires further analysis" or "demands careful consideration" may be more suitable in some formal settings.

What's the difference between "needs to be worked out" and "needs to be figured out"?

"Needs to be "worked out"" implies a process of development or resolution, often involving multiple steps or considerations. "Needs to be "figured out"" suggests a more cognitive process of understanding or solving a problem.