this needs to happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this needs to happen" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when referring to a task or action that needs to be done. For example, you might write, "This needs to happen in order for us to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This needs to happen more.

The Guardian

This needs to happen now!

The New York Times

This needs to happen soon.

The New York Times

"This needs to happen to your family".

The New York Times

But none of this needs to happen.

The New York Times - Health

There is no reason that this needs to happen.

The New York Times - Magazine

This needs to happen for the file to be useable by other tools, such as dmreadpar.

Harvard University

This needs to happen between different actors, importantly including the education sector.

The Guardian

This needs to happen in an environment free of coercion, surveillance and the threat of punishment.

The Washington Post

This needs to happen, or we're staring at some serious problems heading into the busy festive period.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Rome last week, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton committed to releasing frozen funds or devising an alternative financing plan; this needs to happen expeditiously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this needs to happen" to express a strong belief that a particular action or event is necessary or desirable. It's suitable when advocating for a specific change or outcome.

Common error

Avoid overusing "this needs to happen" in formal or academic writing, as it can sound less objective. Opt for more formal alternatives like "this is required" or "this is essential" /s/this+is+essential to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this needs to happen" functions as an assertion of necessity or strong recommendation. It conveys a sense of urgency or importance regarding a particular action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this needs to happen" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong belief in the necessity or desirability of a particular action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news media, academia, and business. While the phrase is generally considered neutral in register, it can lean towards informal depending on the situation. When using "this needs to happen", remember that in more formal settings, alternatives like "this is essential" or "this is required" may be more appropriate. Finally, its effectiveness lies in its ability to advocate for change and convey a sense of urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is required

Emphasizes the necessity of something based on rules or requirements. It's more formal.

this is essential

Highlights the crucial importance of something; without it, success is unlikely.

this is imperative

Conveys a sense of urgency and critical importance, often in situations with high stakes.

this must occur

Implies a strong obligation or necessity, often in a formal or official context. Similar, but more authoritative.

this is bound to happen

Suggests inevitability based on current circumstances or trends. The focus is more on prediction.

this is unavoidable

Emphasizes the impossibility of preventing something from occurring. More negative in tone.

this is vital

Highlights the crucial importance of something for survival or success.

this is crucial

Highlights that something is extremely important or necessary.

it is of the essence

Highlights that the timing of the event is crucial

this cannot wait

This implies a degree of urgency and that action has to be taken immediately.

FAQs

What does "this needs to happen" mean?

The phrase "this needs to happen" expresses a strong conviction that something is necessary or should occur. It's a way of emphasizing the importance or desirability of a particular action or event.

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

You can use "this needs to happen" to express the necessity of an action. For instance, "For the project to succeed, "this needs to happen": we need to secure additional funding."

What are some alternatives to "this needs to happen"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this is essential" /s/this+is+essential, "this is required", or "this is imperative", which convey a similar sense of necessity with varying degrees of formality and urgency.

Is "this needs to happen" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this needs to happen" might sound too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "this is essential" /s/this+is+essential or "this is required" in academic or professional settings.