How to say “we need to” like a native speaker
Say that an action is necessary for a group that includes you. It can introduce a shared task or a recommendation.
All phrases · Workplace
Hear “we need to” in real speech
Clip 1 · Adam Grant
Adam Grant: What frogs in hot water can teach us about thinking again | TED · 15:55
About this video
Adam Grant discusses why people resist rethinking their assumptions. He uses the familiar boiling-frog story to introduce the subject and describes how reconsidering his own identity opened up new possibilities.
In context
What if we were more like the frog, ready to jump out if the water gets too warm?We need to be quick to rethink.
Thank you.
Clip 2 · Bill Gates
Innovating to zero! | Bill Gates · 18:25
About this video
Bill Gates talks about energy, climate and the need to reduce emissions. He explains why climate changes affect people living in poverty and discusses possible energy technologies, including a nuclear-fuel idea.
In context
We do need the market incentives -- CO2 tax, cap and trade -- something that gets that price signal out there.We need to get the message out.
We need to have this dialogue be a more rational, more understandable dialogue, including the steps that the government takes.
Clip 3 · Patrick Winston (MIT)
How to Speak · 47:20
About this video
Patrick Winston teaches a lecture about speaking and communicating ideas. He discusses the role of knowledge and practice, and uses presentation slides to illustrate choices that help or hinder an audience.
In context
An example, here's what needs to be done.We need to specify some behavior.
We need to enumerate the constraints that make it possible to deal with that behavior.
When to use “we need to”
- Planning a trip together: “We need to book our tickets today.”
- Checking a shared task: “We need to read the instructions before we start.”
Common learner mistake
Use the base verb after “need to”: “We need to leave”, not “We need to leaving”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “we need to”
The D in “need” meets the T in “to” and may not have a separate release. Keep “need” strong enough to carry the necessity.
Related phrases
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You don't need to speak fast.
A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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