need to be vs needs to be

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Need to be' is used when referring to plural subjects or 'you,' while 'needs to be' is used with singular subjects like 'he,' 'she,' or 'it.'

Last updated: March 12, 2024 • 2055 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to plural subjects or 'you.'

"need to be "

Use 'need to be' when the subject is plural or 'you.' For example, 'They need to be more careful.'

Examples:

We need to be there on time.
You need to be more organized.
They need to be prepared for the meeting.

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
require to be

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to singular subjects like 'he,' 'she,' or 'it.'

"needs to be"

Use 'needs to be' when the subject is singular, such as 'he,' 'she,' or 'it.' For example, 'She needs to be more focused.'

Examples:

He needs to be at the meeting.
She needs to be more attentive.
It needs to be fixed immediately.

Show examples from the web [+]

That line needs to be broken.
Westeros needs to be saved from itself.
Competition between financing options needs to be significantly encouraged.
The Europa website needs to be improved.
Our presence needs to be 100-percent antiseptic.
Particular attention needs to be paid to developing countries.
For example, consumer protection needs to be strengthened.
Madam President, this directive needs to be reviewed urgently.
First, customs cooperation needs to be established promptly.
Legislation needs to be implemented consistently across the country.
The medium-term budgetary strategy needs to be strengthened.
For any position the Δp2σ-requirement needs to be fulfilled.
Marco needs to be emancipated from his father.
This bloodletting needs to be repeated.
Which is where he needs to be in 20 minutes.
Very fattening for a pig who needs to be fat.
She needs to be committed to a psychiatric hospital.
It needs to be signed by somebody at the City Clerk's Office.
Everything is where it needs to be.
This needs to be the hoop dreams of things people care about.

Alternatives:

has to be
must be
should be
ought to be
require to be

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need to be vs needs to be

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