this needs to be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this needs to be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a task or action is necessary and should be completed. Example: "Before we can move forward with the project, this needs to be done to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think this needs to be done in an orderly rather than divisive way.

The Guardian

This needs to be done in a proper way – we will take the time we need".

The Guardian

And all of this needs to be done with public accountability -- not behind closed doors.

The New York Times

This needs to be done at EU level as invasive species don't stop at borders.

The Guardian

"This needs to be done in a cooperative, not a confrontational, way".

The New York Times

The White House counterterrorism guru John Brennan said on TV, "This needs to be done thoughtfully".

The New Yorker

This needs to be done quickly; he's running his first marathon the next day.

The New York Times

This needs to be done right the first time, and it can be expensive.

The New York Times

"Critically, this needs to be done in a way which very deliberately creates stronger communities and better decisions.

The Guardian

There is always the risk that there is a more violent response, but this needs to be done".

The New York Times

"When something does happen, people want to jump up and down and say, 'This needs to be done.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this needs to be done", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. If necessary, specify the action or task more explicitly.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this needs to be done" without varying your sentence structure. This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Instead, use synonyms or rephrase to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this needs to be done" functions as a directive, indicating that a particular action or task is required or necessary. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. Ludwig AI recognizes the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this needs to be done" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey necessity or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity in defining "this" and to vary sentence structure to avoid repetitiveness. Consider alternatives like "this is required" or "this demands attention" for different levels of formality or urgency. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase while maintaining clarity and style in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is required

A formal way of stating that something is obligatory.

this requires action

Emphasizes the need for immediate action or intervention.

action on this is necessary

Rephrases the statement to emphasize the need for action.

this demands attention

Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the issue.

it's crucial to address this

Emphasizes that dealing with something is vital and urgent.

it is imperative to do this

Stresses the critical and unavoidable nature of the task.

this cannot wait

Indicates that the task needs immediate attention and should not be delayed.

it is essential to complete this

Focuses on the necessity of finishing the task.

this is of the essence

Highlights the crucial and time-sensitive nature of the task.

this is a must

Uses a more concise and direct expression of necessity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this needs to be done" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can replace "this needs to be done" with phrases like "this is required", "it is imperative to do this", or "action on this is necessary".

Is "this needs done" grammatically correct?

While "this needs done" might be heard in some regional dialects, the standard and more widely accepted form is "this needs to be done". The latter adheres to standard English grammar rules.

What are some alternatives to "this needs to be done" that emphasize urgency?

To emphasize urgency, consider using phrases like "this demands attention", "this cannot wait", or "it's crucial to address this".

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

You can use "this needs to be done" in a variety of contexts to express that a task is necessary. For example: "Before we can proceed, this needs to be done to ensure accuracy", or "This needs to be done promptly to avoid further delays."