a definite need

USAGE SUMMARY

"a definite need" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is essential or necessary. For example: "There is a definite need for an increase in the education budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a definite need.

The Guardian

"There's a definite need for it," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"There was a definite need for this," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Also there's a definite need for more intervention research.

Children and Youth Services Review

I realized that there is a definite need for dogs who are trained to help patients".

The New York Times

Not everyone can be a homeowner, and private landlords fulfil a definite need.

The Guardian

"I see a definite need for such a document," he said.

The New York Times

"It has a finite amount of funds and a definite need for capability".

The New York Times

A definite need exists for well-designed prospective studies to determine the optimal management of rhabdomyolysis.

Chest

They are providing a definite need to an area that doesn't have much".

The New York Times

"There's a definite need and want to address what's happening in society in Ireland at the moment".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite need" to highlight requirements or necessities that are clearly apparent and cannot be ignored. For instance, when advocating for policy changes or resource allocation, stating that "there is a definite need" can underscore the urgency and importance of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite need" when the need is already self-evident. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can weaken its impact and make your writing sound redundant. Instead, focus on providing specific details and evidence that support the need without explicitly stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite need" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the existence and importance of a requirement, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples and analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite need" is a versatile phrase used to underscore the essential nature of a requirement across various domains. As supported by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its reliability. While the phrase is common in contexts like news reporting, scientific research, and academic discussions, it is less prevalent in business writing or encyclopedic entries. Remember to use "a definite need" judiciously, ensuring its use adds emphasis rather than redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an undeniable necessity

Emphasizes the unquestionable and essential nature of the need.

a clear requirement

Highlights that the need is evident and obligatory.

a pressing demand

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the need.

a critical imperative

Suggests that the need is crucial and unavoidable.

an urgent necessity

Stresses the time-sensitive and essential nature of the need.

a vital requirement

Emphasizes the importance and essential nature of the requirement.

an essential prerequisite

Highlights that the need is a necessary condition for something else.

a crucial element

Identifies the need as a key and indispensable component.

a fundamental necessity

Underlines the basic and essential nature of the need.

a recognized imperative

Indicates that the need is widely acknowledged and obligatory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definite need" to emphasize something essential or necessary. For example, "There is "a definite need" for improved infrastructure in the region."

What are some alternatives to saying "a definite need"?

Alternatives include "an undeniable necessity", "a clear requirement", or "a pressing demand". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a definite need" or "a clear need"?

Both "a definite need" and "a clear need" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Definite" emphasizes certainty, while "clear" emphasizes obviousness. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between "a need" and "a definite need"?

Adding "definite" to "a need" emphasizes the certainty and undeniable nature of the requirement. "A need" simply states that something is required, while ""a definite need"" asserts that the necessity is clear and unquestionable.