needs to either be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to either be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing requirements or conditions that must be met, presenting two possible options. Example: "The project needs to either be completed by Friday or extended for another week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When you want to get work from the public sector, there needs to either be a call for expressions of interest or tenders and a public procurement process.

The Guardian

In order to keep the AquaSkipper up out of the water, the rider needs to either be jumping on the platform or riding a wave.

TechCrunch

If you are not already aware, every private sale of stock needs to either be "registered" with securities regulatory agencies (which is super expensive) or be "exempt" (in other words, excused) from registration.

TechCrunch

I want her to know that she needs to hear opinions and facts that oppose her worldview...because she needs to either be able to defend her position or concede it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I suspect that, to experience the effects Meggido observes, you'd need to either be onstage, or to perform your own spectate-a-thon in the stalls.

The Guardian

In order to survive, they need to either be located in a large metropolitan area or have enough professional clout to work with clients on a national level.

The New York Times

When Zuckerberg, apparently sensing this, said to Losse, "I don't know if I trust you," she decided she needed to either be entirely committed to Facebook or leave.

The Washington Post

But Mr. Wolfensohn, speaking about the state-owned businesses, said, "It does look as though there are a number that are not efficient and need to either be closed or resurrected or significantly changed".

The New York Times

It's why I have in the past been rather quick to counter the narrative pushed by the likes of Joe Hockey that youth need to either be earning or learning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sure, vajazzling one's house may not be in the best of taste; but those who moan of vulgarity, light pollution, front garden boundaries and increased traffic need to either be quiet or put their Ray Bans on.

Independent

CNET reporters need to either be resigning or be reporting this story, or both.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to either be", ensure that the two options presented are mutually exclusive and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to either be" if you don't explicitly state both alternatives. Ensure the sentence clearly outlines both possibilities for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to either be" functions as a connector that introduces two alternative possibilities or states of being that fulfill a necessary condition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to either be" is grammatically correct and serves to introduce two alternative possibilities or conditions. While relatively rare in occurrence, Ludwig AI confirms that it’s usable in various contexts, primarily in news, science, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, ensure the alternatives are clearly defined. Alternatives include "must either be" or "has to either be", each conveying slightly different degrees of necessity. Be aware to avoid incomplete alternatives in order to be more clear and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must either be

Replaces "needs to" with the stronger "must", indicating a stricter requirement.

has to either be

Substitutes "needs to" with "has to", which also conveys necessity, but may sound slightly less formal.

is required to either be

Emphasizes the requirement with a more formal and explicit phrasing.

is necessary to either be

Similar to "is required to", but focuses on the necessity of the condition.

it is essential to either be

Highlights the essential nature of choosing one of the two options.

it is crucial to either be

Highlights how crucial the choice between two things can be.

should either be

Replaces "needs to" with "should", indicating a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

one must either be

Uses a more formal and impersonal tone by using "one" instead of specifying who needs to do something.

it's important to either be

Stresses the importance of choosing between two things or options.

it would be best to either be

Recommends something while making it optional rather than being strict.

FAQs

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

Use "needs to either be" to indicate that a subject requires one of two options. For example, "The report needs to either be submitted by Friday or extended."

What is a more formal alternative to "needs to either be"?

A more formal alternative is "is required to either be". For example, "The document is required to either be signed or notarized".

Is it grammatically correct to say "must either be" instead of "needs to either be"?

Yes, "must either be" is grammatically correct and conveys a stronger sense of obligation compared to "needs to either be".

When is it appropriate to use "should either be" instead of "needs to either be"?

"Should either be" is appropriate when suggesting a recommendation rather than stating a strict requirement. For example, "The proposal should either be revised or withdrawn".