we need to examine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we need to examine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the necessity to analyze or investigate a particular subject or issue. Example: "In order to make an informed decision, we need to examine all available data and research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We need to examine [such] cases".

The Guardian

"We need to examine this," she said.

The New York Times

"We need to examine the mentality of these applicants.

The Guardian

We need to examine it first to determine its value".

The Guardian

Then we need to examine our own responsibility as donors.

The Guardian

We need to examine a lot of assumptions".

The Guardian - Books

"We need to examine the mentality of these [female] applicants.

The Guardian

But this is a small muscular problem that we need to examine".

The Guardian - Sport

To explain why, we need to examine seventy years of constitutional law (in two paragraphs).

The New Yorker

"We have heard people anecdotally speaking talking about it, but we need to examine in detail".

The New York Times - Tech

Clearly we need to examine this miasma with a different kind of microscope.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we need to examine", ensure that the object of examination is clearly defined to provide context and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "we need to examine" in excessively passive constructions. Instead, structure your sentences to clearly indicate who is performing the action of examining.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we need to examine" is to express the necessity of an investigation or analysis. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different fields, confirming its role as a directive phrase, urging for careful inspection or study. It is frequently used to introduce an area requiring further scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we need to examine" is a versatile phrase that serves as a call to action for analysis and investigation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business settings. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, while alternatives like ""we should investigate"" and ""we must scrutinize"" offer nuanced ways to express similar intentions. Effective use of the phrase involves clear articulation of the subject to be examined, ensuring the message is both precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we should investigate

Suggests a formal and structured inquiry.

we need to assess

Focuses on the evaluation aspect of the examination.

we have to analyze

Emphasizes the obligation to perform a detailed study.

we must scrutinize

Implies a need for careful and critical observation.

we ought to explore

Suggests a broader, less structured investigation.

it's crucial to review

Emphasizes the critical importance of the examination process.

we are required to assess

Indicates a formal requirement for evaluation.

we have to consider

Implies the need for a careful deliberation or thought process.

it is necessary to study

Highlights the necessity of a focused academic inquiry.

let's look into

Offers a more informal suggestion to investigate.

FAQs

How can I use "we need to examine" in a sentence?

Use "we need to examine" to introduce a topic that requires careful analysis or investigation. For example: "To improve our strategy, "we need to examine" market trends."

What are some alternatives to "we need to examine"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we should investigate", "we must scrutinize", or "we have to analyze".

Is it better to use "we need to examine" or "we should examine"?

"We need to examine" emphasizes the necessity of the examination, while "we should examine" suggests a recommendation. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the urgency and importance of the action.

When is it appropriate to use "we need to examine" in formal writing?

"We need to examine" is suitable for formal writing when you are outlining necessary steps for analysis or investigation. It's appropriate in reports, proposals, and academic papers to indicate required analysis.