what is needed is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is needed is" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when you want to say that something is essential in a particular situation. For example: "What is needed is a stronger commitment to addressing the climate crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is needed is leadership.

Independent

No. What is needed is openness.

The New Yorker

What is needed is a teraflop machine.

The New Yorker

What is needed is a national overhaul.

The Economist

What is needed is one big idea.

The New York Times

What is needed is a detection tool.

The New Yorker

What is needed is "restorative innovation".

The Economist

What is needed is more information.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps what is needed is simply patience.

The Economist

What is needed is information about information.

The Economist

What is needed is a new initiative.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is needed is" to clearly and directly state the essential requirement or solution in a situation. This phrase is most effective when you want to emphasize the importance of a specific action or element.

Common error

Avoid using "what is needed is" in simple sentences where a more concise construction would suffice. For example, instead of "What is needed is more time", you can say "More time is needed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is needed is" functions as a declarative structure used to highlight the necessity of a specific element or action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showing it introduces what is indispensable in a given context. It emphasizes the subject that follows, framing it as the solution or requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is needed is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for emphasizing a requirement or solution. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure it introduces a critical element or action and avoid overuse in simpler sentences. Alternatives like "the crucial thing is" or "the key requirement is" can provide stylistic variation while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key requirement is

Highlights a mandatory element or condition that must be satisfied.

the essential element is

Focuses on an indispensable component that is vital for achieving a goal.

what's paramount is

Underscores the supreme importance of something.

the crucial thing is

Emphasizes the importance of a specific element, shifting the focus from general need to a critical component.

it is imperative that

Highlights the urgency and critical nature of a requirement.

the main priority is

Highlights what should be addressed first.

the answer is to

Proposes a direct response or action to a specific problem or situation.

the solution lies in

Suggests a way to resolve an issue, presenting a more actionable approach.

the pressing issue is

Emphasizes the urgency and relevance of a particular matter.

the demand is for

Focuses on a specific request or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "what is needed is" in a sentence?

Use "what is needed is" to introduce the essential element or action required in a particular situation. For example, "What is needed is a comprehensive plan to address climate change".

What are some alternatives to "what is needed is"?

You can use phrases like "the crucial thing is", "the key requirement is", or "the essential element is" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "what is needed is" or "what's needed is"?

Both "what is needed is" and "what's needed is" are grammatically correct and acceptable. The contracted form "what's needed is" is slightly more informal.

When should I use "what is needed is" instead of a simpler sentence structure?

Use "what is needed is" when you want to emphasize the importance or necessity of a specific element or action. In simpler contexts, a direct statement might be more effective (e.g. use "more resources are required" instead of "what is needed is more resources").