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 was needed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"this was needed" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it whenever you want to emphasize the importance of something just having been done. For example: She sent her completed assignment early - this was needed to ensure she met the deadline.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(18)
this was essential
this was required
this was indispensable
this was critical
this was desired
this was identified
this was warranted
i was needed
this was instrumental
this was adequate
this was suitable
this was done
this was passed
this was useful
this was how
this was necessary
this was appropriate
this was demonstrated
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
57 human-written examples
People just decided that this was needed".
News & Media
No more than this was needed, Dr. Ornish said.
News & Media
Some of this was needed to make markets work better.
News & Media
This was needed as much as unity and control at the center.
News & Media
He said this was needed to restore public trust in the security forces.
News & Media
This was needed to provide for the possibility that West held four trumps.
News & Media
They stressed that this was needed by many heterosexual couples as well as gays.
News & Media
"The modelling that was done showed it was downstream of Chelsea Bridge where this was needed but now downstream of Chelsea Bridge is fine," Binney said.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
3 human-written examples
More of this is needed.
News & Media
This is needed now more than ever.
News & Media
"We understand this is needed for the neighborhood.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Vary your sentence structure to avoid overuse of "this was needed"; consider alternatives like "this proved essential" or "the situation demanded this" for a more engaging writing style.
Common error
Avoid using "this was needed" without a clear reference to what "this" refers to. Ensure the antecedent is explicitly stated to prevent ambiguity and maintain coherence in your writing.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this was needed" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that something was required or necessary. Ludwig AI examples show it clarifies the importance or reason behind an action or event.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "this was needed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize the necessity or importance of a preceding action or resource. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a predicate justifying why something was essential. It is particularly common in News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. For clarity, ensure the antecedent of "this" is explicit, and consider varying your sentence structure with synonyms like "this was essential" or "this became necessary" to enhance your writing. Using these tips will improve the precision and impact of your communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this became necessary
Replaces 'was needed' with 'became necessary', emphasizing a change in status.
this was essential
Replaces 'was needed' with 'was essential', highlighting the fundamental importance.
this proved essential
Substitutes 'was needed' with 'proved essential', highlighting the vital nature of something.
this was indispensable
Replaces 'was needed' with 'was indispensable', indicating that something was absolutely necessary.
this was critical
Substitutes 'was needed' with 'was critical', stressing the importance and urgency of something.
this turned out to be required
Emphasizes the eventual necessity of something, using a more descriptive verb phrase.
there was a requirement for this
Uses a more formal and impersonal tone to express the need.
this was called for
Indicates that something was appropriate or justified in a particular situation.
the necessity arose for this
Inverts the sentence structure to focus on the emergence of the need.
circumstances dictated this
Attributes the need to external factors, implying that the situation demanded it.
FAQs
How can I use "this was needed" in a sentence?
You can use "this was needed" to emphasize the importance of a previous action or decision. For example, "The extra funding was approved; "this was needed" to complete the project on time."
What are some alternatives to "this was needed"?
Some alternatives include "this was essential", "this became necessary", or "this was required", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to say "this was needed"?
Yes, "this was needed" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice to indicate that something was required or necessary.
In what contexts is "this was needed" most appropriate?
"This was needed" is appropriate in various contexts, including formal reports, news articles, and academic papers, where you want to highlight the necessity of a particular action or resource. It's suitable when explaining the rationale behind a decision or event.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested