Meaning

You can use "What you need" to give your opinion on what someone needs in order to do something or achieve a desired outcome. It can either precede a noun or a verb. 

Today's Sentences

01

What you need is money.

Situation 1

I’m so stressed.

Why?

So many bills to pay.

What you need is money.

Situation 2

What you need is money.

Should we buy the lottery?

I just bought a few!

I’m crossing my fingers!

02

What you need is a vacation.

Situation 1

Are you okay?

Not really.
I’m so tired from working long hours.

What you need is a vacation.

I think so.

Situation 2

We’ve got so many people in the house.
It’s kinda crazy.

What you need is a vacation away from daily life.

That sounds amazing right now.

You should talk about it with your family.
Time away can be a healthy way to relieve stress.

03

What you need are new shoes.

Situation 1

My feet are so swollen.

You should stop wearing such high heels.

Do you think that’s the problem?

What you need are new shoes.
Comfortable ones!

Situation 2

Your shoes are coming apart.

It’s okay.
I can just glue them back together.

What you need are new shoes.

Really? I’d love a pair of new shoes!

04

What you need is a new computer.

Situation 1

How long have you used your laptop?

It’s been 9 years.

What you need is a new computer.

Really?
They’re so expensive these days.

Situation 2

My computer is so slow nowadays.

What you need is a new computer.

I’ve been looking at a few but I can’t decide.

You should compare the specs of the ones you want to buy.

05

What you need are some good books.

Situation 1

I’m not sure what to do on my day off.

You should catch up on some sleep!

I feel like it would be such a waste of a day just to sleep.

Then, what you need are some good books.
I find coffee and reading super relaxing.

Situation 2

What else should I pack for my trip?

Well, it looks like you’ve got all the essentials.
What you need are some good books.

A good read is a must!

I’ll send you a list of some books I enjoyed this year.

Writer's Note

Don't be afraid to switch up the pronouns in this phrase!

  1. What she needs is a wakeup call.
  2. What he needs is to get to work on time.
  3. What they need is a good role model.
  4. What I need is a long vacation.
  5. What we need is to learn English.

Give us some of your examples, we'd love to hear from you!

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