need to be vs need be

Both "need to be" and "need be" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Need to be" is more commonly used in everyday language and is considered more formal. On the other hand, "need be" is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 2566 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday language.

"need to be "

This phrase is used to express a necessity or obligation for something to exist or happen in the future.

Examples:

You need to be at the meeting by 9 a.m.
She needs to be more careful with her belongings.
We need to be prepared for any situation.
The document needs to be signed by both parties.
The cake needs to be baked for 30 minutes.

Show examples from the web [+]

In particular, renewable energies need to be promoted throughout Europe.
Scientific findings need to be made broadly available.
Health warnings need to be improved.
External border controls need to be rigorously enforced.
Therefore customers need to be regularly informed about this data.
Marine-protected areas also need to be managed more efficiently.
Both sides need to be investigated.
European resources need to be used efficiently.
Leak components need to be tested without additional oil involved.
When children misbehave, they need to be disciplined.
Everything you need to be brilliant.
Equivocal responses may need to be evaluated using additional animals.
The reporting requirements need to be clarified.
The regulations need to be adjusted accordingly.
They may also need to be quarantined.
I only need to be ready.
The envelopes need to be addressed and stamped.
No need to be so paranoid.
They need to be aggressive and threatening.
You just need to be electrifyingly pretty.

Alternatives:

have to be
must be
should be
ought to be
required to be

This phrase is correct but less common, often used in more formal or literary contexts.

"need be"

This phrase is used to express a necessity or obligation for something to exist or happen in the present or future, particularly in more formal or literary writing.

Examples:

Should need be, I will come to your assistance.
If need be, we can provide additional resources.
He will attend the event if need be.
I will take the necessary steps if need be.
The decision will be made if need be.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nothing need be done till tomorrow.
You made him far more important than he need be.
I need be no more close to him than that.
3. No formalities need be carried out at the office of destination.
2. No formalities need be carried out at the offices of departure or destination.
In other words, the facts need be beyond dispute.
It's a proposal, nothing need be decided.
There need be nothin' in writin'.
There need be no exploitation, and the importance of artistic and scientific creation itself is considerably strengthened.
Everything about tenting is designed to make your life just a bit more difficult than it need be.
Thus no contingent liability need be recognised at this year-end.
Other technologies, such as hydrogen, also need be encouraged.
Where this is usually the case, there need be no permanent general allocation procedure for access to a cross-border transmission service.
Only a representative part of the final sample need be ground.
No formalities need be carried out at the office of destination.
No formalities need be carried out at the offices of departure or destination.
No allowance need be made for overthrow on curves.
no import licence need be submitted.
If no tender is acceptable, none need be accepted.
Conditions under which no demarcated area need be established

Alternatives:

if necessary
if required
if needed
if essential
if indispensable

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need to be vs need be

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