what steps are necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what steps are necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the specific actions or measures required to achieve a particular goal or outcome. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, can you outline what steps are necessary to ensure its success?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

What steps are necessary to construct the probe?

The New York Times

The question is, what steps are necessary to ensure you understand and consent to the research?

Stanford University

GAZETTE: What steps are necessary to confront the crises caused by climate change?

Harvard University

His remit is to examine what steps are necessary to stop voter registration fraud and error, postal voting fraud, impersonation, intimidation, bribery, treating and undue influence.

The Guardian

There are battles looming over what steps are necessary to make voting secure, and how much should be spent on them.

The New York Times

"At that point, we'll be able to figure out if there are assets there, and if so what steps are necessary to get them," Ms. Hayhoe said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Ms. Vizcarrondo-DeSoto was among 22 civic leaders on the 21st Century Task Force -- formed in 1997 to evaluate what steps were necessary to improve the city -- which last year recommended several steps to implement a far-reaching and enduring revival: * Improve the city's image among nonresidents.

The New York Times

He already had a vision of what steps were necessary to make the transition from planning to the market, and he had a team he could rely on.

Forbes

"When I receive the team's report," Mr. Roche said, "we'll have a determination on what further steps are necessary to ensure justice is done and to ensure that our values and standards are being met".

The New York Times

Despite the impact of this incident on our team of dedicated health care professionals and staff, we are convinced that, together, we can surmount the challenges before us, continue to provide excellent care for our patients and take what ever steps are necessary to ensure we retain your trust and confidence.

University of California, Berkeley

We will take whatever steps are necessary".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking about a multi-stage process, use "what steps are necessary" to prompt a detailed, sequential breakdown.

Common error

Avoid phrasing questions like "what steps are necessary to be taken?" Opt for a more direct, active construction such as "what steps are necessary to take?" for clearer and more concise communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what steps are necessary" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to inquire about the specific actions or procedures needed to achieve a particular outcome. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, indicating its direct and purposeful nature in seeking information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what steps are necessary" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for inquiring about required actions. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves to elicit information and guidance across various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and professional settings. While "necessary" is the appropriate term, alternatives like what actions are required or what measures are needed can provide similar meaning. It's important to avoid passive voice constructions for clarity. The phrase's versatility and broad applicability make it a valuable tool in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what actions are required

Replaces "steps" with a broader term, "actions", implying a less specific set of procedures.

what measures are needed

Substitutes "steps" with "measures", suggesting a more general approach to problem-solving.

what is required to be done

Focuses on the action itself rather than the specific sequence of actions.

what needs to be accomplished

Emphasizes the desired outcome rather than the process of achieving it.

what procedures are essential

Replaces "steps" with "procedures", indicating a more formal and structured approach.

what must be undertaken

Focuses on the obligation to act, rather than the specific actions themselves.

what is crucial to implement

Highlights the critical nature of the actions, emphasizing their importance.

what interventions are appropriate

Suggests a more proactive and problem-solving approach, particularly in complex situations.

what solutions must be adopted

Focuses on finding and implementing solutions to address a specific problem or challenge.

what tasks are indispensable

Emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of the actions, indicating their crucial role.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what steps are necessary"?

You can use alternatives like "what actions are required", "what measures are needed", or "what is required to be done" depending on the specific context.

Is "what steps are necessary" formal or informal?

The phrase "what steps are necessary" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

How do I use "what steps are necessary" in a business context?

In a business context, you can use "what steps are necessary" to inquire about the procedures needed to achieve a specific objective. For example, "What steps are necessary to launch this new product successfully?"

What's the difference between "what steps are necessary" and "what steps are required"?

The phrases "what steps are necessary" and "what steps are required" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Necessary" implies essentiality, while "required" suggests a more mandated or compulsory nature. The distinction is subtle.