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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a basic necessity

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"a basic necessity" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that is absolutely necessary for life or survival, such as food or shelter. For example, "Providing food and shelter is a basic necessity for every human being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water is a basic necessity.

News & Media

The Guardian

It is not a food, nor a basic necessity.

The cloud computing security has become a basic necessity.

Communities need their green spaces to thrive – that is a basic necessity no one should surrender.

News & Media

Independent

But it galls some Muscovites that a city of such power and money cannot provide a basic necessity year-round.

News & Media

The New York Times

The paradigm people use looks at cars as a basic necessity: once you have one, you don't need another.

News & Media

The New York Times

For him, image manipulation was not a supplement to political life; it was close to a basic necessity.

News & Media

The New Yorker

For me, their fight for better pay is a fight for my wellbeing: not a luxury but a basic necessity.

Note how mobile phones transformed India within a decade: from being objects of luxury, they became a basic necessity.

Homes are the largest asset for all but the richest households, but shelter is also a basic necessity, like food.

News & Media

The New York Times

Water shortages could have rebounding effects on food production, public health, and household incomes – with families forced to pay more for a basic necessity.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a basic necessity", ensure the context clearly establishes why the item or service is fundamentally required, not merely desired. For example, state that clean water is "a basic necessity" for human health.

Common error

Avoid labeling something as "a basic necessity" if it's more accurately a luxury or convenience. Misusing the term diminishes its impact when discussing genuine essential needs.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic necessity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As illustrated by Ludwig, it identifies something indispensable or fundamentally required. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic necessity" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes something indispensable for life or well-being. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly justifies why the item or service is truly essential, avoiding the overstatement of less critical needs. Related phrases include "an essential requirement" and "a fundamental need". Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's prevalence in discussions about fundamental human rights and resource allocation.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic necessity" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic necessity" to describe something essential for survival or well-being. For example, "Clean water is "a basic necessity" for human life."

What is another way to say "a basic necessity"?

Alternatives to "a basic necessity" include "an essential requirement", "a fundamental need", or "a vital prerequisite", depending on the specific context.

Is it accurate to describe internet access as "a basic necessity"?

While opinions vary, some argue that internet access is becoming "a basic necessity" in modern society due to its role in education, employment, and communication. However, this viewpoint is not universally accepted.

What's the difference between "a basic necessity" and "a luxury"?

"A basic necessity" is something essential for survival or well-being, like food or shelter. A "luxury" is something desirable but not essential, like designer clothing or expensive vacations.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: