a basic need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to fundamental requirements essential for survival or well-being, such as food, water, and shelter. Example: "Access to clean water is considered a basic need for all human beings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a basic need".

The New York Times

Security is a basic need.

The New York Times

Food is such a basic need.

The Guardian

"Water is a basic need for humans and every living thing.

The Guardian

While this fulfilled a basic need, the systems were over complicated.

The Guardian

Adequate medical care is also a basic need for all Americans.

The New York Times

This is a basic need now, with schooling and working practices.

The Guardian - Tech

Self-esteem was a basic need and part of healthy development.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Understanding the behavior of nanoparticles in the environment is a basic need.

Chemosphere

Extreme conditions require properties that are application-specific rather than just a basic need.

High-Performance Apparel Materials, Development, and Applications

To meet the requirements of "Integrated Care", it is a basic need to share information.

International Congress Series

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a basic need" to frame discussions around human rights and social justice, ensuring that fundamental requirements are met for all individuals.

Common error

Avoid labeling wants or preferences as "a basic need". Ensure the item or service genuinely contributes to survival, health, or fundamental well-being to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic need" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show its use to denote something fundamental and essential for survival or well-being. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic need" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something essential for survival or well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news, science, and academic contexts, highlighting its versatility. While alternatives like "a fundamental requirement" or "an essential necessity" exist, "a basic need" effectively conveys the idea that something is not merely desirable but indispensable. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the item or service truly meets the criteria of contributing to fundamental well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental requirement

Emphasizes the essential nature of the requirement, making it indispensable.

an essential necessity

Highlights the critical importance and indispensability of something.

a core requisite

Focuses on the fundamental and indispensable nature of the requirement.

a primary demand

Underscores the urgency and priority of the need.

a vital necessity

Emphasizes how critical the need is for survival or proper functioning.

a crucial demand

Focuses on the critical importance and urgency of the need.

a key requirement

Stresses the importance of the requirement as being central or integral.

an indispensable element

Highlights that the element cannot be done without.

a critical component

Emphasizes the importance of the component for the functionality of a system.

a fundamental aspect

Focuses on the basic and essential nature of the aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic need" to emphasize the fundamental requirements essential for survival or well-being. For example, "Access to clean water is considered "a basic need" for all human beings".

What are some synonyms for "a basic need"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental requirement", "an essential necessity", or "a core requisite". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe internet access as "a basic need"?

While historically, internet access was a luxury, it is increasingly argued that in modern society, it functions as "a basic need" due to its importance for education, employment, and access to essential services.

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

"A basic need" refers to something essential for survival and well-being, like food or shelter. A "luxury", on the other hand, is something desirable but not essential, such as designer clothing or expensive vacations.