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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a basic necessity
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Water is a basic necessity.
News & Media
It is not a food, nor a basic necessity.
News & Media
The cloud computing security has become a basic necessity.
Science
Communities need their green spaces to thrive – that is a basic necessity no one should surrender.
News & Media
But it galls some Muscovites that a city of such power and money cannot provide a basic necessity year-round.
News & Media
The paradigm people use looks at cars as a basic necessity: once you have one, you don't need another.
News & Media
For him, image manipulation was not a supplement to political life; it was close to a basic necessity.
News & Media
For me, their fight for better pay is a fight for my wellbeing: not a luxury but a basic necessity.
News & Media
Note how mobile phones transformed India within a decade: from being objects of luxury, they became a basic necessity.
News & Media
Homes are the largest asset for all but the richest households, but shelter is also a basic necessity, like food.
News & Media
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
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
an essential requirement
Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the requirement.
a fundamental need
Highlights the foundational importance of the need.
a vital prerequisite
Focuses on the need as a condition that must be met beforehand.
an indispensable element
Stresses that the element is crucial and cannot be done without.
a core requirement
Indicates that the requirement is central and fundamental.
a crucial component
Highlights the importance of the component to the whole.
a primary requisite
Underscores the need as a primary condition.
a must-have item
Focuses on the item being absolutely necessary.
a non-negotiable item
Highlights that it is not discussable or subject to change.
an unavoidable need
Points to a need that cannot be prevented or escaped.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested