there needs be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there needs be" is not standard in modern written English and may be considered archaic or incorrect.
It can be used in contexts that aim for a formal or literary tone, often to express necessity or requirement. Example: "In this situation, there needs be a clear understanding of the rules before proceeding."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Here's the thing: in order for fees to work, there needs be something worth paying to avoid.

The Economist

But Kiefer being Kiefer, there needs be trouble in paradise, so that along the serpentine line of beauty lurks the form of a skeletal snake, its vertebra constructed from a string of terracotta beads suspended on spinal wire poking from the picture surface.

The Guardian - Arts

But there needs be a herculean effort by this generation to build on the cornerstones left by our legendary barrier breakers.

Huffington Post

Pate says there needs be more of a focus on finding ways to have Aboriginal people, especially women, serve their sentence in their communities where they have access to more supports to help them once they've completed their sentence.

Vice

It is not yet established whether single strand overhangs or t loops are found at telomeres in Drosophila but it seems that there needs be no special DNA sequence at Drosophila telomeres and that therefore the telomeres are epigenetic in nature (Rong, 2008).

EMBO Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"There need be no more," he says.

The Guardian - Film

However, there need be flexibility to accommodate individual company practices.

Biologicals

But now he's decided there need be no exception.

The Guardian - Music

There needs to be outcry, there needs to be shock and awe, there needs to be worry.

Huffington Post

And there need be no loopholes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The no vote will win; there need be no negotiations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and correctness in contemporary English, avoid "there needs be". Use the more common and grammatically sound alternative, "there needs to be" or "there must be".

Common error

While "there needs be" may seem sophisticated, it often comes across as stilted or antiquated. Opt for modern alternatives like "there needs to be" or "there must be" for a more natural and accessible style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there needs be" functions as an existential clause introducing a necessity. As Ludwig AI explains, it is not standard in modern English, but it can be used in formal contexts. Examples from Ludwig show usage in news, arts and science.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "there needs be" aims to express necessity, Ludwig AI clarifies that it's an archaic form. Modern English prefers alternatives like "there needs to be" or "there must be". While the phrase appears in news and scientific contexts, it's best reserved for formal writing aiming for a specific tone. Remember to consider your audience and purpose, opting for clarity and correctness in most situations. Using phrases like "there needs be" could be perceived as trying to sound sophisticated while the result is simply being grammatically incorrect. If aiming for formality, "it is necessary that there be" could be a better choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there must be

Replaces the more archaic "needs be" with the universally accepted "must be" for expressing necessity.

there should be

Offers a slightly weaker expression of necessity, suggesting advisability rather than obligation.

there has to be

Emphasizes obligation with a colloquial tone.

there needs to be

Corrects the grammar of the original phrase by adding the infinitive "to", making it standard English.

it is necessary that there be

Presents a formal and emphatic way to express that something is required.

it is essential that there be

Highlights the critical importance of something existing or happening.

a requirement exists for

Changes the structure to emphasize the existence of a requirement rather than the entity needed.

it is imperative that there be

Uses "imperative" to express an urgent and crucial need.

a necessity exists for

Similar to "a requirement exists for" but emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the need.

provision must be made for

Focuses on making arrangements or preparations to ensure something exists or happens.

FAQs

What does "there needs be" mean?

The phrase "there needs be" is an archaic way of saying "there needs to be" or "there must be". It expresses necessity or requirement.

Is "there needs be" grammatically correct?

In modern English, "there needs be" is not considered grammatically correct. The standard form is "there needs to be" or the stronger "there must be".

When should I use "there needs be"?

You might use "there needs be" if you're aiming for a deliberately archaic or literary style. However, in most contexts, it's better to use "there needs to be" or "there must be" for clarity and correctness.

What are some alternatives to "there needs be"?

Alternatives to "there needs be" include "there needs to be", "there must be", "there should be", and "it is necessary that there be", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.