a burning need

USAGE SUMMARY

"a burning need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong and intense desire for something. For example: "He had a burning need to achieve his goals and he wouldn't rest until he did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

This is not the first time London Welsh have felt a burning need to appeal against an RFU judgement.

Independent

There is a burning need to tap the energies of Haitians -- not just the devastated national government.

The New York Times

I don't feel a burning need to be in charge, and I don't feel that it's a bad thing to follow when the right things are getting done.

The New York Times

And, having come upon those thousands of instances of wonderment, he wrote them down because he had a burning need to preserve what he had found.

The Economist

But he got in early and well, with little more than a camera, a laptop and a burning need to communicate.

The New York Times

In times like these, there is a burning need for a new vision and renewed critical practices for the twenty-first century.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

I've never felt any burning need to have children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But considering their past generosity and the absence of any burning need, on your part, for the cash, why not show some mercy?

The New York Times

Your burning need to write a 20,000-line 20,000-linebout coraclepicking in the high arctic may not be met with matching enthusiasm by literary agents and editors!

The Guardian

I don't feel the burning need to sit down at an instrument and write a new song right this second.

Huffington Post

Since revenue from television and movie licensing is substantial -- Mr. Miller received over a million dollars for use of "Jungle Love" in a movie trailer -- there is no burning need for Ms. Komorsky to license to Internet services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a burning need" to convey a strong sense of urgency or passion. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the phrase; it's most effective when describing situations requiring immediate attention or deep personal motivation.

Common error

Avoid using "a burning need" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Opt for more moderate expressions like "strong desire" or "significant need" to maintain variety and prevent your writing from sounding melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a burning need" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that is urgently required or desired. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides multiple examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a burning need" is a frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a strong sense of urgency or intense desire. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in News & Media and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase judiciously to avoid overemphasis and maintain writing clarity. Consider using alternatives like "an urgent requirement" or "a compelling necessity" for varied expression. Remember to ensure that the context justifies the intensity of the phrase to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an urgent requirement

Emphasizes the immediacy of the need.

a compelling necessity

Highlights the force driving the need.

a critical demand

Focuses on the importance and requirement.

a dire necessity

Stresses the severity of the situation creating the need.

an essential imperative

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the need.

a pressing concern

Emphasizes that the need requires immediate attention.

a vital exigency

Indicates the urgency and importance of the need in a formal context.

an acute demand

Focuses on the sharpness and intensity of the need.

a significant prerequisite

Highlights the need as a prior condition.

a crucial factor

Emphasizes the need as a key element for success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a burning need" to describe a strong desire or urgent requirement. For example: "There is "a burning need" for more affordable housing in the city."

What are some alternatives to "a burning need"?

Some alternatives include "an urgent requirement", "a compelling necessity", or "a critical demand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a burning need" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a burning need" can sometimes sound overly dramatic for formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "a significant need" or "an essential requirement" in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "a burning need" and "a strong desire"?

"A burning need" implies a greater sense of urgency and intensity than "a strong desire". While a strong desire is simply something you want, "a burning need" suggests something that is essential or critical.