needs to discuss

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs to discuss" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a particular subject needs to be discussed. For example, "I think Maria and John need to discuss their future plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Someone needs to discuss it," Trials continues.

The Guardian - Music

But who needs to discuss that when there's Goop?

The New York Times

Nato needs to discuss the options more calmly, honestly and multilaterally than has yet happened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Kerry's voting record has already been misinterpreted by his opponents in some ads, and he needs to discuss it.

The New York Times

The student needs to discuss the advisor approved elective with his academic advisor and get their approval.

Cornell University

Tim has an important piece of information he needs to discuss but Gareth refuses to let him bring it up because it hasn't been listed on the agenda.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We still need to discuss the conditions".

The New York Times

"That's what we need to discuss.

The New York Times

There is no need to discuss it.

The New York Times - Sports

We need to discuss Ruddy Big Pig (4).

The Guardian - Music

And just what do they need to discuss?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to discuss", ensure the context clearly identifies who needs to have the discussion and what the subject of the discussion should be. For instance, "The team needs to discuss the project timeline" is clearer than simply saying "It needs to be discussed."

Common error

Avoid using "needs to discuss" without specifying who should be involved in the discussion. Overuse can make your writing seem less direct and less actionable. Instead of saying "This needs to discuss", clarify who should be having the discussion and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to discuss" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a requirement or necessity for a conversation or deliberation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts. It often precedes a noun or pronoun specifying the subject requiring discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to discuss" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the necessity of a conversation or deliberation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent usage in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts underscores its versatility and widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly specify the subject of the discussion. While considered neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "should address" might be preferable in certain settings. Be aware of the common error of using "needs to discuss" in vague contexts, and always specify who should be involved in the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should address

Emphasizes the importance of dealing with a particular issue, suggesting a more formal or urgent approach.

ought to consider

Suggests a careful evaluation or deliberation of a topic, implying a thoughtful approach.

must examine

Highlights the necessity of a thorough investigation or inspection of a subject.

requires to analyze

Focuses on the need for a detailed analysis of a topic, often in a formal or technical context.

demands to explore

Implies a strong need to investigate or delve into a subject, often due to its complexity or importance.

warrants consideration

Indicates that a topic deserves careful thought and attention, suggesting a more formal evaluation.

calls for deliberation

Emphasizes the need for careful and thorough discussion, often in a formal or official setting.

begs the question of

Introduces a point that naturally arises and needs to be addressed or answered.

is worth considering

Suggests that a topic is valuable or important enough to merit attention and discussion.

necessitates a dialogue on

Highlights the urgent need for a conversation or exchange of ideas about a particular topic.

FAQs

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

Use "needs to discuss" to indicate that a conversation or deliberation is required. For example, "The committee "needs to discuss" the budget allocation" or "We "need to discuss" your performance review".

What are some alternatives to "needs to discuss"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "should address", "ought to consider", or "must examine" as alternatives to ""needs to discuss"".

Is "needs to discuss" formal or informal?

"Needs to discuss" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "should address".

How does "needs to discuss" differ from "should discuss"?

"Needs to discuss" implies a higher degree of necessity or urgency than "should discuss". "Should discuss" suggests a recommendation, while ""needs to discuss"" suggests a requirement.