I need him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I need him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or need for someone or something. For example: "I need him to help me with my project tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I need him.

The New York Times

But I need him.

The New York Times - Sports

I need him back.

The New York Times

"I need him home".

The New York Times

I need him to stop spinning.

Independent

But whenever I need him, he's there.

Independent

Where's Bobby Jindal when I need him?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I need him like the axe needs the turkey".

The New Yorker

"What do I need him for?" he told Trehan.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He needs me and I need him".

The New York Times - Sports

"I need him to turn sideways a little," Dyck replies.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of the phrase. It conveys a strong sense of dependence or desire, so use it appropriately in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I need him" without establishing clear context. Ensure the audience understands who 'him' refers to, or the phrase becomes ambiguous and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I need him" functions as a declarative statement expressing a personal requirement or dependence on another individual. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from emotional reliance to practical necessity, mirroring the straightforward declaration of need.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I need him" is a common expression used to convey reliance, desire, or necessity. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, predominantly in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding who 'him' refers to and to be mindful of the emotional implications the phrase carries. Remember to use the phrase when intending to convey a strong sense of dependence, and consider the alternatives, like "I rely on him", to better reflect collaboration or support as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I rely on him

Focuses on trust and dependence for assistance or support.

I cannot do without him

Highlights the inability to function effectively in the absence of the person.

I am dependent on him

Highlights reliance and support from the person.

I am counting on him

Emphasizes expectation and trust in someone's actions.

I require his presence

Formal alternative, emphasizing a requirement rather than a desire.

He is essential to me

Stresses the importance and indispensability of the person.

He is indispensable to me

Formal and emphasizes the person's necessity.

I long for him

Expresses a strong desire and yearning for the person's presence.

I crave his support

Focuses specifically on needing the person's help and backing.

My well-being depends on him

Emphasizes the critical need for the person to ensure someone's happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "I need him" in a sentence?

You can use "I need him" to express your reliance on someone, as in "I need him to help me with this project" or "I need him here for support".

What's a more formal way to say "I need him"?

For a more formal tone, consider saying "I require his presence" or "he is essential to me", depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to say "I need him"?

It might be inappropriate if the context implies unhealthy dependence or possessiveness. Consider using alternative phrasing if your intention is to express collaboration or mutual support rather than reliance.

Are there alternatives to "I need him" that emphasize collaboration?

Yes, instead of "I need him", you could say "I rely on him", which implies mutual trust, or "I work with him" to highlight a collaborative effort.