needs to happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is necessary or required to occur. Example: "For the project to succeed, a clear plan needs to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That needs to happen.

The New York Times

"It needs to happen.

The New York Times

What needs to happen?

The New York Times

More needs to happen.

The New York Times

Yet it needs to happen.

The Economist

Much more needs to happen.

The New York Times

Something big needs to happen.

The New York Times

It needs to happen soon.

The Economist

What needs to happen going forward?

The New York Times

"Needs to happen soon," Storen said then.

The New York Times

If not, what needs to happen?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context when choosing between "needs to happen" and its alternatives. For example, "must occur" implies a stronger obligation.

Common error

While "needs to happen" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less professional. Opt for stronger, more precise alternatives like "is required" or "is essential" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to happen" functions as a modal expression, indicating necessity or requirement. It suggests that a particular action or event is essential or crucial. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to happen" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express necessity or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread presence across diverse contexts. While highly common in news and media, it also appears in science and business-related content. When writing, remember that while the phrase is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional settings. Overall, "needs to happen" is a useful and reliable phrase for conveying the importance of an action or event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must occur

Stronger emphasis on obligation or inevitability.

is required

More formal and emphasizes a rule or necessity.

has to happen

More colloquial and direct, implying a lack of choice.

is essential

Highlights the importance and indispensability of the event.

is imperative

Emphasizes urgency and critical importance.

is necessary

States a basic condition or requirement.

should take place

More suggestive and less forceful, indicating a recommendation.

ought to occur

Indicates a moral obligation or advisability.

is bound to happen

Implies inevitability based on current circumstances.

is set to occur

Focuses on a planned or scheduled event.

FAQs

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

Use "needs to happen" to express that something is necessary or required. For example, "For the project to succeed, a clear plan "needs to happen"."

What can I say instead of "needs to happen"?

You can use alternatives like "must occur", "is required", or "has to happen" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "needs to happen"?

Yes, "needs to happen" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English.

When should I use "needs to happen" versus "must occur"?

"Needs to happen" is more general and can be used in various contexts. "Must occur" is stronger and implies a greater sense of obligation or inevitability.