needs to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence 'needs to continue' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something is incomplete and should continue. For example: "The discussion needs to continue before we reach a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He needs to continue pruning the bank.

The Economist

That plan needs to continue".

The Guardian

"I think the conversation needs to continue.

The New York Times

This investigation needs to continue," Goodwin said.

The Washington Post

The tradition of fine scholarship needs to continue.

The Guardian

And your dogged shambling needs to continue at home.

The New York Times - Health

We just needs to continue with business as usual.

The Guardian

Any political party needs to continue to adapt and learn.

The Guardian

She needs to continue practicing her times tables.

The New York Times

First, though, the company needs to continue thriving in China.

The New York Times - Tech

The debate needs to continue in a more informed fashion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs or more specific phrasing to add impact and clarity to your writing, such as "must persist" or "should be sustained".

Common error

Avoid using "needs to continue" excessively in passive constructions. Active voice often provides more direct and engaging phrasing. Instead of "The program needs to continue to be funded", try "We must continue funding the program".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to continue" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or requirement for an action or process to persist. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. It is commonly used to express that something should not be interrupted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to continue" is a versatile expression used to convey the necessity of maintaining or prolonging an action, process, or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as formal and business settings, indicating its suitability for both neutral reporting and professional communication. While highly frequent, varying the phrasing with alternatives like "must carry on" or "should be sustained" can enhance writing. Remember to use the active voice for a more impactful delivery and consider the context to maintain clarity and precision in expressing the need for continuation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must carry on

Emphasizes obligation or requirement to continue.

should be sustained

Highlights the importance of maintaining something at a certain level.

has to proceed

Focuses on the inevitability or necessity of moving forward.

ought to persist

Suggests a moral or logical obligation to continue.

is required to go on

Emphasizes the formal requirement for continuation.

must be ongoing

Highlights the continuous nature of an action or process.

should remain in effect

Specifically refers to maintaining the validity or operation of something.

is important to perpetuate

Emphasizes the value of ensuring something continues indefinitely.

is vital to maintain

Stresses the critical importance of preserving something.

has to be kept up

Focuses on effort required to maintain continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to continue" in a sentence?

Use "needs to continue" to express that an action or process should not stop. For example, "The investigation "needs to continue" until all the facts are known."

What are some alternatives to "needs to continue"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "must carry on", "should be sustained", or "has to proceed", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "needs to continue"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "needs to continue" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms to add variety. Also, ensure the subject logically aligns with the action being continued.

What's the difference between "needs to continue" and "should continue"?

"Needs to continue" implies a necessity or requirement, while "should continue" suggests a recommendation or advisability. The choice depends on the strength of the obligation you wish to convey. "Needs to continue" indicates something essential, whereas "should continue" expresses a preference.