a desperate need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desperate need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an urgent or critical requirement for something. Example: "The community has a desperate need for clean drinking water after the recent natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a desperate need.

The New York Times

Siri voice command answered a desperate need.

The New York Times - Tech

"There is a desperate need".

The New York Times

And a desperate need not to offend.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There is a desperate need for a spark.

Independent

"China has a desperate need of the past.

The New York Times

"There's a desperate need here for reconciliation efforts.

The Guardian

Arusei, though, was simply responding to a desperate need.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's a desperate need to engage with institutional investors".

The Guardian

There is a desperate need for more nursing care.

The Guardian

But there is still a desperate need for affordable drugs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a desperate need" to emphasize the severity and urgency of a situation or requirement. It is effective in conveying a strong sense of importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a desperate need" when the situation is merely inconvenient or mildly problematic. Reserve it for truly critical circumstances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desperate need" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, emphasizing the urgent requirement for something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a desperate need" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a strong sense of urgency and criticality. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase, primarily serving to highlight the importance of addressing immediate requirements across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business communication. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is important to reserve its use for truly critical situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "a critical need" or "an urgent need" may be more appropriate for less severe contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical necessity

Emphasizes the essential nature of the requirement.

an urgent requirement

Highlights the time-sensitive aspect of the need.

a pressing demand

Stresses the forcefulness and insistence of the need.

a dire exigency

Indicates a situation of great peril and urgency.

a vital necessity

Focuses on the importance and indispensability of the need.

a crucial imperative

Highlights the unavoidable and decisive nature of the need.

a grave requirement

Emphasizes the seriousness and weight of the need.

a burning issue

Conveys a sense of immediate and intense concern.

a crying need

Suggests an obvious and loudly expressed requirement.

a compelling urgency

Underscores the irresistibility and force of the need.

FAQs

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

You can use "a desperate need" to highlight an urgent requirement. For example: "There is a desperate need for clean water in the disaster area."

What phrases are similar to "a desperate need"?

Alternatives include "a critical need", "an urgent need", or "a pressing need", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a desperate need"?

Use "a desperate need" when emphasizing the urgency and severity of a requirement. It is most suitable for situations where action is needed immediately to avoid significant negative consequences.

Is "a desperate need" too strong for everyday situations?

Yes, "a desperate need" implies a severe and urgent situation. For less critical contexts, consider alternatives like "a strong need" or "an important need".