there need to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "there need to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a necessity or obligation. For example, "There need to be stricter rules regarding the use of cell phones in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There need to be new technical standards.

The Economist

There need to be concrete interim goals.

Princeton University

There need to be more arrests.

The New York Times

There need to be more perks.

The New York Times

There need to be more homes.

The Guardian

There need to be more services.

The Guardian

There need to be stronger links between businesses and universities.

The Economist

"I understand there need to be investigations," he said.

The New York Times

Why does there need to be a cap?

Independent

There need to be teeth embedded in the system.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Does there need to be more interaction?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there need to", ensure that the verb following "to" is in its base form. For example, "There need to be improvements", not "There need to be improving."

Common error

A common mistake is using "there needs to" instead of "there need to" when referring to plural nouns. Remember that "need" should agree with the plural subject that follows it. For example, it's correct to say "There need to be changes" but incorrect to say "There needs to be changes" when referring to multiple changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there need to" functions as an impersonal construction used to express a necessity or obligation. Ludwig AI identifies its primary role as indicating a requirement or a lack thereof, prompting action or change. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there need to" is a versatile phrase used to express necessity or obligation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal academic writing to informal discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to maintain subject-verb agreement and choose the right level of forcefulness depending on the context. Ludwig's examples show its widespread use across different sources, solidifying its place as a common and reliable expression in the English language. When selecting alternative phrases, carefully consider the nuances of meaning and formality to ensure the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is necessary to

Replaces the impersonal "there need to" with a more direct assertion of necessity.

it is essential to

Emphasizes the importance of the action that follows, rather than just its necessity.

it is required to

Indicates a formal requirement or obligation, often legally or officially mandated.

it is imperative to

Highlights the urgency and critical nature of the action.

it must be done

Expresses a strong sense of obligation or inevitability.

action is needed

Focuses on the requirement for action, rather than specifying who needs to act.

measures must be taken

Specifically refers to the need for proactive steps or interventions.

steps should be taken

Suggests a recommended course of action, implying a need without being forceful.

one must

Uses a formal and somewhat archaic tone to express obligation.

we have to

Replaces impersonal construction with a first-person plural perspective.

FAQs

How do I use "there need to" in a sentence?

Use "there need to" to express a necessity or requirement. For instance, "There need to be more resources allocated to education" indicates a requirement for additional resources.

What are some alternatives to "there need to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is necessary to", "it is essential to", or "it is required to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of "there need to be improvements", you could say "it is necessary to make improvements".

Is it correct to say "there needs to be" instead of "there need to be"?

The correctness depends on the subject that follows. "There needs to be" is used with singular nouns, while "there need to be" is used with plural nouns. For example, "There needs to be a change" (singular) versus "There need to be changes" (plural).

What's the difference between "there need to" and "there should be"?

"There need to" implies a stronger necessity or obligation than "there should be". "There should be" suggests a recommendation or desirability, whereas "there need to" suggests something is essential or required. For example, instead of "there need to be changes", you could say "there should be adjustments" to soften the meaning.