Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this needs that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this needs that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a requirement or necessity for something to function or be complete. Example: "For the project to succeed, this needs that specific software to operate effectively."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
this requires that
this demands that
this necessitates that
this calls for that
this attributes that
this implied that
consequently
this involves that
this signifies that
this represents that
this entails that
as a result
this suggests that
this implies that
it follows that
this stipulates that
this indicates that
this includes that
this means that
therefore
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
And this country needs that so much".
News & Media
He's going to burn some bridges along the way, but this country needs that exposure.
News & Media
Stylist's choice: This look needs that vintage element – visit Beyond Retro, which has a treasure trove of tracksuit styles.
News & Media
Anyone interested in this field needs that desire turning science into medicine.
Science & Research
People like Kalanithi are lights and this world needs that luminosity.
News & Media
Yes maybe it was just the little push that this gentleman needed, that is possible.
Science
For this to work, one needs that (B ge c{varvec{1}}) with (c > 0).
"Not everyone knows what a Kimpton hotel is, and if I can get people to walk in the front door under this need, that's a terrific thing".
News & Media
It is the recognition of this need that saw the introduction of Problem-based Learning into the curriculum at Temasek Polytechnic.
Science & Research
"Then there is this need that comes, this urge from deep within.
News & Media
It is this need that has driven an intense research program in HCV vaccinology over the last 15 years.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "this needs that" when you want to express a clear dependency between two elements. Be sure that the context makes the relationship obvious to the reader.
Common error
Avoid using "this needs that" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your sentence structure with synonyms to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this needs that" functions as a statement of requirement or dependency. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses that one thing is essential or necessary for another. The examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from personal needs to broader societal requirements.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
37%
Formal & Business
13%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this needs that" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express a dependency or requirement. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a valid way to indicate necessity. While not overly formal, it's acceptable in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and general conversation, but it may benefit from synonyms such as "this requires that" in more formal environments. Its straightforward structure and meaning make it a clear way to communicate that one thing is essential for another. The phrase is used to highlight a critical element that must be present for something else to function or be complete.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this requires that
Replaces "needs" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing requirement.
this necessitates that
Uses a stronger word to convey the idea of indispensable need.
this demands that
Indicates a firm requirement or expectation.
this calls for that
Suggests that a specific action or element is appropriate or necessary.
this depends on that
Highlights the conditional relationship between the two elements.
this is contingent on that
Emphasizes that one thing is dependent on another for its occurrence.
this is predicated on that
Focuses on the underlying basis or foundation upon which something relies.
this hinges on that
Implies that the outcome is critically dependent on a single factor.
this relies on that
Indicates a dependence on something for support or function.
this is incomplete without that
Directly states the lack of wholeness or fulfillment without the specified element.
FAQs
How can I use "this needs that" in a sentence?
Use "this needs that" to show a direct dependency or requirement. For example, "For the project to succeed, this needs that specific software to operate effectively."
What can I say instead of "this needs that"?
Alternatives include "this requires that", "this necessitates that", or "this demands that", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to use "this needs that"?
Yes, "this needs that" is grammatically correct. It follows a subject-verb-object structure, where "this" is the subject, "needs" is the verb, and "that" is the object.
How formal is the phrase "this needs that"?
The phrase "this needs that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, although more formal alternatives like "this requires that" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested