needs to get done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to get done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a task or obligation is necessary to complete. Example: "There are several tasks that need to get done before the deadline approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Needs to get done.

The New York Times

So this needs to get done.

The New York Times

But ultimately it needs to get done on the field".

The New York Times - Sports

What is it that really needs to get done today?

Harvard Business Review

A lot of recalculation needs to get done, and the problem is really daunting.

The Economist

It's a sober, cleareyed assessment of what needs to get done, when, how and why.

The New York Times - Books

And it would get done work that America needs to get done.

The New York Times

"He delegates, and we get done what needs to get done".

The New York Times - Sports

He understands the importance of creating the accumulated sense that something needs to get done".

The New York Times

What I've learned is that you have to figure out what needs to get done.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, this is one to-do that really needs to get done.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing tasks, use "needs to get done" to identify essential items that directly contribute to your goals. This helps filter out less critical activities.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "needs to get done". Instead of saying "The report needs to get done by Friday", try "We need to complete the report by Friday" for a more direct and active tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to get done" functions as a modal expression indicating necessity or obligation. It signifies that a task or action is required and must be completed. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in various contexts supporting this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to get done" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the necessity of completing a task. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and prioritize essential tasks for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be completed

Emphasizes obligation and necessity, conveying a stronger sense of compulsion.

has to be done

Indicates a requirement or obligation, often implying a degree of external pressure.

requires completion

Highlights the necessity of finishing a task, suitable for formal contexts.

is essential to complete

Stresses the importance and necessity of finishing something.

should be finished

Suggests a recommendation or expectation for a task to be completed.

is required to be done

Formally states that something must be completed according to a rule or standard.

is imperative to finish

Conveys a sense of utmost importance and urgency.

demands to be finished

Implies urgency and a high level of importance.

necessitates completion

Highlights that something is a necessary condition for a specific outcome.

needs to be addressed

Focuses on dealing with an issue or problem, rather than simply completing a task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "needs to get done" to sound more formal?

In formal settings, you can use phrases such as "must be completed", "requires completion", or "is essential to complete".

What are some alternatives to "needs to get done" that imply urgency?

To convey urgency, consider using "has to be done", "demands to be finished", or "is imperative to finish".

Is "needs to get done" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "needs to get done" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "requires completion" or "must be completed".

What's the difference between "needs to get done" and "needs to be done"?

Both phrases are similar, but "needs to get done" often implies a more active or practical approach to completing a task, while "needs to be done" is more general and can refer to any required action.