there needs to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"there needs to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever there is an obligation or necessity for something to happen. For example: "There needs to be more attention given to conservation of natural resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clearly there needs to be another model.

The New York Times

But there needs to be reasonable limits".

The New York Times

But there needs to be some solution".

The New York Times

But there needs to be more growth.

The Guardian

But there needs to be genuine debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cable says there needs to be reform.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, there needs to be some confidentiality.

The Guardian

"However, there needs to be a distance".

The New York Times

But there needs to be training.

Science Magazine

There needs to be accountability.

The New York Times - Magazine

There needs to be freedom".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there needs to be", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is required or necessary. For example, "There needs to be more funding for education" provides a clear subject.

Common error

Avoid using "there needs to be" without specifying what action or element is required. For instance, instead of saying "There needs to be something done", specify the action: "There needs to be a review of the policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there needs to be" functions as an existential construction expressing necessity or obligation. It indicates that something is required or essential. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there needs to be" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly "needs to be". Alternatives like "it is necessary that there is" or "there must be" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Being mindful of the register and avoiding vagueness will enhance the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is necessary that there is

This alternative uses "necessary" to directly state the need for something.

there must be

This alternative uses "must" to express obligation or necessity in a more direct way.

it is required that there is

This alternative uses "required" to indicate a formal or mandatory need.

it is imperative that there is

This alternative uses "imperative" to convey a strong sense of urgency and necessity.

it is vital that there is

This alternative uses "vital" to highlight the critical importance of something.

it is essential that there is

This alternative uses "essential" to emphasize the importance of something existing or happening.

a need exists for

This alternative shifts the structure to emphasize the existence of a need.

something has to happen

This alternative offers a more colloquial way to express that some action or event is required.

action is required

This alternative focuses on the necessity for taking action.

steps should be taken

This alternative suggests that specific measures are needed to address a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "there needs to be" to indicate a necessity or requirement. For example, "There needs to be more research" on the topic, or "there needs to be better communication" between departments.

What are some alternatives to "there needs to be"?

Alternatives include "it is necessary that there is", "there must be", or "action is required", depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

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

The phrase "there needs to be" is generally used with singular nouns or uncountable nouns (e.g., "There needs to be more effort"). "There need to be" is used with plural nouns (e.g., "There need to be more options"). Choose the correct form based on the noun that follows.

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

"There needs to be" implies a stronger sense of necessity or requirement, while "there should be" suggests a recommendation or expectation. For example, "There needs to be a law" implies urgency, whereas "there should be a law" suggests it would be beneficial but is not necessarily critical.