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 to be discussed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this needs to be discussed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a particular topic or issue requires conversation or deliberation. Example: "Before we make a decision, this needs to be discussed in our next meeting."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(18)
this needs to be investigated
this needs to be confirmed
this needs to be presented
this needs to be assessed
this needs to be regulated
this requires attention
this is a matter of concern
this needs to be tackled
this needs to be considered
this needs to be sorted
this needs to be evaluated
this demands action
this needs to be remedied
this warrants investigation
this calls for a solution
this needs to be resolved
this needs to be addressed
this requires immediate attention
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
"This needs to be discussed," he said.
News & Media
Everyone seems to want to keep their head below the parapet but this needs to be discussed".
News & Media
"I think the wider issue for dealing with the past, I think we have to do that in the context of Haass (talks) and I think that is the place where this needs to be discussed, where we get an overall framework for dealing with issues of the past but one which puts the victims and their families and those who are traumatised - and there were many of them - at the centre of what needs to be done".
News & Media
And yet, if you feel like the overly self-reliant parent, or the bullied parent, this needs to be discussed.
News & Media
This needs to be discussed.
Science
This needs to be discussed more fully.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
GPs could see that issues they identified as barriers to change could cause distress and this needed to be discussed in the context of behaviour change.
Science
"The comments were ill-conceived and crude but I want to know where we are going on this, it needs to be discussed".
News & Media
The GMC has failed to understand the dilemmas faced by paediatricians when the circumstances around a child's death raise concerns of child abuse and the emotional conflict it generates when this diagnosis needs to be discussed with bereaved parents, devastated by the loss of their child.
News & Media
This finding needs to be discussed in more detail.
Science
This work needs to be discussed.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "this needs to be discussed", ensure the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for your reader.
Common error
Avoid using "this needs to be discussed" without clearly specifying what "this" refers to. Always provide context to ensure clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this needs to be discussed" functions as a directive statement indicating the necessity of addressing a particular subject. Ludwig AI examples show it's used to introduce topics requiring conversation or deliberation.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Reference
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "this needs to be discussed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of addressing a specific topic. It's versatile, fitting in both formal and informal contexts, though clarity regarding "this" is crucial. As shown in Ludwig AI, the phrase appears frequently in science, news media, and formal business settings. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "this requires further discussion" or "this should be discussed" depending on the desired nuance. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, ensuring that you communicate effectively and accurately.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
This requires further discussion
Replaces the verb phrase 'needs to be' with 'requires' making it more concise.
This warrants a discussion
Substitutes 'needs to be discussed' with 'warrants a discussion', indicating justification for discussion.
This should be discussed
Replaces 'needs to be' with 'should be', softening the imperative tone.
This merits discussion
Replaces 'needs to be discussed' with 'merits discussion', suggesting that the topic is worthy of discussion.
This calls for discussion
Replaces 'needs to be discussed' with 'calls for discussion', implying that the situation demands a discussion.
It is essential to discuss this
Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the importance of the discussion using 'essential'.
It is important to discuss this
Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the importance of the discussion using 'important'.
This is a matter for discussion
Changes the structure to frame the topic as 'a matter for discussion'.
This is something to discuss
Uses 'something to discuss' to highlight the topic's suitability for discussion.
Let's discuss this
Turns the statement into a direct invitation to discuss the topic.
FAQs
What does "this needs to be discussed" mean?
The phrase "this needs to be discussed" means that a particular issue or topic requires conversation, deliberation, or further examination before a decision can be made or a conclusion reached.
When is it appropriate to use "this needs to be discussed"?
It's appropriate to use "this needs to be discussed" when you want to emphasize the importance of addressing a specific topic, especially in contexts where collaboration or shared understanding is necessary.
What are some alternatives to "this needs to be discussed"?
Alternatives include "this requires further discussion", "this warrants a discussion", or "this should be discussed".
Is "this needs to be discussed" formal or informal?
"This needs to be discussed" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "it is essential to discuss this" to sound more professional.
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
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested