something is needed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'something is needed' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any context where something is required. For example, "More resources are needed to achieve this goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Something is needed to replace that sense of a local centre.

The Guardian - Arts

But something is needed to snap them out of their collective trance, which seems to get deeper by the day.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think something is needed to shake up the Republican Party," said Lynda Sprouse, who owns an insulation company.

The New York Times

But something is needed other than these comfortable formulas to account for what the Museum of the American West has already become.

The New York Times - Arts

Vicky Featherstone argues that theatres "do not need quotas but, while the world is still asking questions like this, something is needed until an irreversible tipping point has been reached.

The Guardian

Something is needed, in any case, to restore the zest to "Irma La Douce," the French-born musical that stormed the world's stages in the late 1950s and early 1960s, running for more than a year on Broadway, and now seems a rusty relic from an era when a sweet-spirited prostitute made an appealing musical-comedy heroine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Something was needed to throw a lifeline.

The Guardian - Sport

Clearly something was needed that could cater to the many variables and complexities involved in day to day management.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Something radical is needed.

The Economist

Something similar is needed today.

The Economist

So something new is needed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something is needed", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'something' refers to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "something is needed" without a clear antecedent or subsequent explanation of what 'something' actually is. This can lead to confusion and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is needed" functions as an assertion of necessity. It highlights a deficiency or lack in a given situation, indicating that an unspecified element or action is required to remedy the situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something is needed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a requirement or lack in a situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. Its neutral register and wide applicability across news, science, and general writing make it a versatile expression. To enhance clarity, always ensure that the context indicates what 'something' refers to. Consider related phrases like "something is required" or "action is needed" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something is required

Synonymous, but emphasizes a formal requirement.

something is essential

Highlights the critical nature of the need.

something is crucial

Emphasizes the importance and criticality of what is needed.

something is vital

Indicates a life-or-death level of necessity.

something is indispensable

Suggests the thing is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

something is called for

Suggests that the situation demands a specific action or item.

action is needed

Focuses specifically on the need for action or intervention.

a solution is needed

Emphasizes the need for resolving a problem.

help is needed

Specifically requests assistance or support.

intervention is needed

Implies a need for direct or forceful involvement.

FAQs

What does "something is needed" mean?

The phrase "something is needed" indicates a requirement or necessity for an unspecified item, action, or solution in a particular context.

How can I use "something is needed" in a sentence?

You can use "something is needed" to express that a situation requires an intervention or solution. For example, "After the budget cuts, "something is needed" to improve employee morale."

What can I say instead of "something is needed"?

You can use alternatives like "something is required", "something is essential", or "action is needed", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

When is it best to use the phrase "something is needed"?

It's best to use "something is needed" when you want to generally express a need without specifying exactly what is required, or when the specific requirement is implied by the context. If you know the specific requirement, it's better to state it directly.