what is required

USAGE SUMMARY

"what is required" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask about a specific thing that is necessary or required in a given situation. For example: "What is required for me to apply for a driver's license?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that what is required to be a patriotic American?

The New York Times

What is required for growth?

The Economist

What is required is action".

The Guardian

"What is required is unequivocal language".

The New York Times

He knows what is required of him.

Independent

Sometimes, you must do what is required".

The New York Times

What is required is an "equal lock".

The Guardian - Opinion

What is required is persuasion, not berating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apart from the qualifications, what is required?

The Guardian

What is required is a realistic analysis.

The Guardian

What is required are broader preventative policies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is required", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is imposing the requirement. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid phrasing "what is required" in overly passive constructions that obscure agency. Instead of saying "It is required that the form be submitted", specify who requires it: "The department requires that the form be submitted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is required" functions as an interrogative clause, typically used to inquire about necessary conditions, obligations, or prerequisites. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically sound construction widely found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what is required" is a versatile and frequently used interrogative clause that inquires about necessities, obligations, or prerequisites. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. Related phrases, such as "what is necessary" or "what is needed", offer similar meanings, though "what is required" often implies a more formal or obligatory tone. When using "what is required", it's best to clearly specify the context of the requirement to avoid ambiguity and to be mindful of passive constructions that may obscure agency. Overall, "what is required" serves as a fundamental tool for seeking clarity and understanding in a wide range of communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is necessary

Changes 'required' to 'necessary', maintaining similar meaning.

what is needed

Substitutes 'required' with 'needed', indicating a similar degree of importance.

what is essential

Replaces 'required' with 'essential', emphasizing the critical nature of the requirement.

what must be done

Shifts from a state of requirement to an action that is obligatory.

what is obligatory

Replaces 'required' with 'obligatory', indicating a formal or moral compulsion.

what is mandatory

Substitutes 'required' with 'mandatory', suggesting a rule-based or legal necessity.

what is indispensable

Changes 'required' to 'indispensable', highlighting that something is absolutely crucial.

what's the prerequisite

Focuses on preconditions rather than general requirements.

what does it take

Phrases the requirement in terms of the effort or resources needed.

what are the demands

Replaces 'required' with 'demands', highlighting that is not optional.

FAQs

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

You can use "what is required" to ask about the necessities for a particular situation. For instance, "What is required to apply for this job?" or "What is required of a good leader?". Alternatives include "what is necessary" or "what is needed".

What are some alternatives to "what is required"?

Alternatives to "what is required" include phrases like "what is essential", "what must be done", or "what is mandatory". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "what is required" or "what is needed"?

Both "what is required" and "what is needed" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "What is required" may imply a more formal or obligatory necessity, while "what is needed" can suggest a more general or practical need.

When should I use "what is required" instead of "what is requested"?

"What is required" implies a necessity or obligation, while "what is requested" refers to something that is asked for but not necessarily mandatory. Use "what is required" when something is essential, and "what is requested" when something is optional or desired.