needs to describe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to describe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires a description or explanation. Example: "The report needs to describe the findings in detail to ensure clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He needs to describe a reform package that will win over liberal and fiscally conservative Democrats as well as moderate Republicans.

The Guardian

The Spanish government also needs to describe where it would get much of the $22.1 billion pledged to cover the needs of the regions, Mr. Pascual said.

The New York Times

It just needs to describe what actually occurs on the field -- to point out, for example, that Cliff Politte has been a crucial part of the White Sox' success this season and that Justin Duchscherer of the A's has been overrated.

The New York Times

(Board book; ages 2 to 5) Rocket, a little black-and-white dog who learned to read and to write a story in two earlier books in Tad Hills's series, here encounters the kind of "mighty words" a young pup needs to describe his world.

The New York Times - Books

The other woman replies, "What is it, a Web site about soap operas?" That gives the first woman the opening she needs to describe Soap.com as the place to shop for "health, beauty and household essentials" like soap "and over 25,000 other products".

The New York Times

1.2, albeit one needs to describe the propagation of singularities.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Do we really need to describe the gore and horror?

The Guardian

You need to describe to people how, specifically, you want them to act.

The New York Times

However, as these surfaces occupy only two dimensions, only two variables are needed to describe them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anew adjective is needed to describe a Rihanna concert: "pertory" (perfunctory minus the funk).

Independent

Some other language is needed to describe him, a hyper-language with which to eulogize him — in short, a poem.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the usage of active voice to add power and clarity in your message. In this way you can specify who or what is the subject of the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to describe" with an unspecified or unclear subject. For example, instead of "Description needs to describe the process", specify who or what is responsible: "The report needs to describe the process."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to describe" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a requirement or necessity for an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples illustrate its role in expressing what information or detail is lacking and requires provision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to describe" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a requirement for a description or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency is uncommon but present across various contexts like News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clear and the context specifies what requires the description. Alternatives like "must delineate" or "should outline" can be used depending on the level of formality and emphasis desired. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "needs to describe" to convey the necessity of providing clarity and detail in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required to detail

Formal and emphasizes the necessity of providing detailed information.

must characterize

A more direct and forceful way of saying something "needs to describe" key features.

is obliged to specify

Focuses on providing precise and definite details.

must delineate

Stronger emphasis on obligation; more formal.

is necessary to characterize

Focuses on identifying and describing the key features.

should outline

Softer obligation, implies a summary rather than a detailed account.

is essential to portray

Highlights the importance of accurate representation.

ought to explain

Implies a moral or logical obligation to clarify.

is important to depict

Similar to 'portray', but with a slightly broader scope.

has to illustrate

Emphasizes the use of examples to clarify something.

FAQs

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

Use "needs to describe" to indicate that something requires explanation or depiction. For example, "The manual /s/needs+to+describe the installation process in detail".

What are some alternatives to "needs to describe"?

You can use alternatives like "must delineate", "should outline", or "is required to detail" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "needs to describe"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is lacking a description that is necessary. For example, "The proposal /s/needs+to+describe the financial implications of the project".

How does "needs to describe" differ from "required to describe"?

"Needs to describe" implies a lack or a requirement for description, whereas "required to describe" suggests a more formal obligation or mandate.