needs to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone must express or communicate something specific. Example: "In this situation, the report needs to say that we are on track to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He needs to say it".

The New York Times

He just needs to say yes".

The Guardian

That's all he needs to say.

The New Yorker

And somebody needs to say it.

The New Yorker

But that all he needs to say.

The New York Times

Someone needs to say something.

The Guardian

Now he needs to say it again.

The Guardian - Opinion

But someone needs to say it.

The Guardian

What he needs to say is "never".

The Guardian - Sport

Labour needs to say what they see.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Someone needs to say something," Mr. McHale said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to say", consider the tone and formality of the situation. While generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "must communicate" or "is required to state".

Common error

While "needs to say" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal documents or speeches. Opt for alternatives that convey authority and precision, such as "is required to state" or "must articulate", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to say" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or obligation. According to Ludwig AI, it highlights that a particular statement or message is required. This is evident in examples such as "He needs to say it again" or "Someone needs to say something".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to say" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the necessity of a particular statement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to more formal settings. While it is generally neutral in tone, considering alternatives like "must communicate" or "is required to state" can enhance formality when necessary. The examples show its frequent use in prompting action or clarifying situations. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must communicate

Emphasizes the importance and obligation of conveying information effectively.

needs to articulate

Highlights the necessity of clear and effective expression.

should express

Suggests a recommendation or advisability, rather than a strict necessity.

should convey

Recommends a way of conveying something is necessary

has to articulate

Highlights the need for clear and effective expression.

ought to mention

Implies a duty or moral obligation to bring something up.

is obliged to declare

Implies a formal or legal duty to make something known.

has to voice

Highlights the need for clear and verbal expression.

is required to state

Indicates a formal requirement or legal obligation to declare something.

is compelled to reveal

Suggests an inner or external pressure to disclose information.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to say" to emphasize the necessity of a statement, as in "The company "needs to say" how it will address environmental concerns".

What are some alternatives to "needs to say"?

Alternatives include phrases like "must communicate", "should express", or "has to articulate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "needs to say" and "has to say"?

While both phrases indicate necessity, "needs to say" often implies a reasoned or strategic necessity, whereas "has to say" can suggest a more forceful or obligatory requirement. The choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "needs to say" in writing?

It is appropriate in contexts where a specific message or statement is essential for clarity, resolution, or progress. However, consider the audience and adjust the formality accordingly, potentially opting for alternatives in highly formal settings.