something needs to be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something needs to be done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of urgency or necessity regarding a situation that requires action. Example: "The community is facing serious issues with pollution; something needs to be done to address this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Something needs to be done".

The New York Times

Something needs to be done, but what?

The Economist

"I think something needs to be done.

The New York Times - Sports

They know something needs to be done.

The New York Times

Something needs to be done about it".

The New York Times - Sports

Clearly something needs to be done".

The Guardian

Something needs to be done about that.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet something needs to be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

But something needs to be done, she insists.

The Economist

"Something needs to be done," he told Wheeler.

The New Yorker

"Something needs to be done," he said, "and quickly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you have concrete solutions or actions in mind, follow the phrase with specific suggestions to make your statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "something needs to be done" as a vague statement without indicating what actions are necessary. Always try to provide context or suggest possible solutions to make your concern more actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something needs to be done" functions as an impersonal expression of necessity or urgency. It indicates that a situation requires attention and action, without specifying who should take the action. Ludwig examples showcase this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Opinion

10%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something needs to be done" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey the necessity for action in response to a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, opinion, and sports reporting. While its register is generally neutral, it is crucial to use it with specificity to avoid vagueness and to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "action is required" or "intervention is necessary" can add nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

action is required

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of stating that action is necessary.

intervention is necessary

This alternative emphasizes the need for deliberate intervention to address a problem.

steps must be taken

This alternative focuses on the specific actions that need to be implemented.

a solution must be found

This alternative highlights the urgency of discovering a resolution to a problem.

measures should be implemented

This alternative suggests the application of specific measures to rectify a situation.

corrective action is needed

This alternative specifies that the action should aim to correct an existing issue.

this situation requires attention

This alternative emphasizes the need to focus on and address the current circumstances.

the problem demands a response

This alternative suggests the issue at hand necessitates an immediate reaction.

we must act decisively

This alternative urges prompt and resolute action.

the issue needs addressing

This alternative states that the issue should be addressed

FAQs

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

Use "something needs to be done" to express the urgency and necessity for action in a particular situation. For instance, "The increasing pollution levels are alarming; "something needs to be done" to address this issue."

What are some alternatives to saying "something needs to be done"?

You can use alternatives such as "action is required", "intervention is necessary", or "steps must be taken" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "something need to be done" instead of "something needs to be done"?

No, "something need to be done" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""something needs to be done"" because "something" is a singular pronoun and requires a singular verb form.

In what contexts is "something needs to be done" most appropriately used?

"Something needs to be done" is suitable for various contexts where immediate action or intervention is necessary. It's commonly used in news reports, opinion pieces, and discussions about social issues to highlight the urgency of a problem. You can also use alternative phrases to add variety and nuance to your writing. For example, you may say "a solution must be found".