that may be needed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may be needed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate something that could be required or necessary in a particular context or situation. Example: "Please gather all the documents that may be needed for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than that may be needed.

The New York Times

That is before VAT and without an additional drug that may be needed, called ribavirin.

The Guardian

They are tormented by fears of throwing out items that may be needed one day.

The New York Times - Health

If so, for those without neuromusculoskeletal pathology, all that may be needed is encouragement.

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

But they are far from agreement on changes that may be needed.

The New York Times

The Education Department has not done a cost analysis of increased spending that may be needed to absorb additional students.

The New York Times

But all of a sudden they have been resurrected as a lifeline that may be needed to avoid a recession.

The New York Times

The commission said it "has not yet reached its final decision and any remedies that may be needed are still under consideration".

The Guardian - Business

Photograph: Petros Karadjias/AP Cyprus's president held crunch talks with unions today over unpopular spending cuts that may be needed to secure a bailout.

The Guardian - Business

Analysts worry that Mr. Rajapaksa and his government are not committed to the type of political power-sharing that may be needed to ensure peace.

The New York Times

That is because the kinds of particles that may be needed will be virtually inexplicable using the advanced particle theory, called supersymmetry, which many physicists favor.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that may be needed", ensure the context clearly establishes what requires the need. For instance, specify the tools, skills, or resources that are potentially necessary for a specific task or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "that may be needed" vaguely. Always provide context to clarify what specifically might be required and why, otherwise it risks sounding ambiguous or unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may be needed" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It indicates a potential requirement or necessity. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from financial disclosures to medical treatments, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may be needed" is a versatile phrase functioning as a relative clause to denote a potential requirement across diverse contexts. It is deemed grammatically sound and highly prevalent, as affirmed by Ludwig. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic sources. When employing this phrase, clarity can be augmented by specifying what exactly necessitates the possible requirement. Alternatives include "that might be required" or "that could prove useful". Ludwig's examples indicate it suits a range of communication needs, from formal reports to casual advice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could be necessary

Changes the modal verb to 'could' and uses the adjective 'necessary' instead of the passive verb 'needed'.

that might be required

Substitutes 'may' with 'might' and 'needed' with 'required', indicating a slightly less certain need.

that could prove useful

Replaces 'needed' with 'useful', shifting the focus to potential benefit rather than necessity.

that could be helpful

Similar to 'useful', but emphasizes the supportive nature of the potential aid.

that might come in handy

Uses an idiomatic expression, 'come in handy', to suggest potential usefulness in a less formal way.

that could be vital

Increases the strength of the necessity by using 'vital' instead of 'needed'.

that can be implemented

Focuses on the feasibility of application rather than inherent need.

which may become essential

Highlights a future potential for the element to become a core element.

which may be advantageous

Focuses on the upside and potential positive outcome.

that might be advisable

Shifts the focus to the wisdom of use rather than the imperative nature.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that may be needed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "that might be required" or "that could prove useful", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated level of formality.

What's the difference between "that may be needed" and "that is needed"?

"That may be needed" suggests a possibility or contingency, while "that is needed" indicates a definite requirement. The former implies uncertainty about the necessity, while the latter asserts a clear need.

Is "that may be needed" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "that may be needed" is appropriate for academic writing. It is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in academic and research contexts to indicate potential requirements or considerations.

What are some less common alternatives to "that may be needed"?

Less common but still valid alternatives include phrases like "that might come in handy" or "that could be vital". These offer nuanced ways to express potential needs or benefits, though they might be more context-dependent.