a distinct need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific or clear requirement for something. Example: "The survey revealed a distinct need for improved communication within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

They've got a distinct need for fun.

The New Yorker

It serves a distinct need at a certain time, repeatedly.

The New York Times

There is a distinct need for still-disparate black and white communities to come together.

The Guardian - Opinion

Based on these requirements there is a distinct need for design systems.

Multiscreen UX Design Developing for a Multitude of Devices

The Giants have the 25th pick in the first round and a distinct need for defensive linemen.

The New York Times - Sports

Or as another top Pentagon aide described the team's purpose: "We've seen a distinct need for multiple sources of intelligence for some time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

To identify a comprehensive set of distinct "need states" based on the eating occasions experienced by midlife women.

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

His shows — which by now form a distinct portfolio — need to be considered in their logical framework.

The New Yorker

The APLU's detailed and highly informative guide nonetheless provides universities "an unprecedented opportunity to align a distinct national need with the core purpose of great research universities," says task force co-chair Eighmy in a statement announcing the guide's publication.

Science Magazine

The discrepancy between acute care and continuing care was also highlighted nationally – lack of resources to ensure adequate transition from acute to community care was defined as a distinct unmet need.

BMC Health Services Research

But the two, while distinct, need to be considered together.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a distinct need", ensure you clearly define what that need is and why it is important. Providing context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct need" as a filler phrase. Ensure the need you are highlighting is genuinely significant and clearly differentiated from other requirements. If the need isn't truly distinct, opt for a more general term like "a need".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct need" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights the existence of a specific and clearly defined requirement or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distinct need" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize a specific and clearly defined requirement or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts, including science, news, and business, lending itself to both formal and neutral registers. When employing this phrase, ensure you articulate the need with clarity and specificity, distinguishing it from more general requirements. Alternatives such as "a clear requirement" or "a specific demand" can be used depending on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite necessity

Emphasizes the certainty and importance of the need.

a clear requirement

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the need.

a specific demand

Focuses on the particularity and exactness of the need.

a particular necessity

Indicates a certain uniqueness or individuality of the need.

an identified need

Stresses that the need has been recognized and acknowledged.

a pressing requirement

Implies the urgency and critical nature of the need.

a noticeable demand

Highlights the conspicuous or evident nature of the need.

a recognized requirement

Similar to 'an identified need', but with a slightly broader acceptance.

a crucial necessity

Underlines the vital and essential character of the need.

a vital prerequisite

Emphasizes the essential condition that must be met.

FAQs

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

Use "a distinct need" to emphasize a clear and specific requirement. For example, "The study revealed "a distinct need" for better training programs."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a definite necessity", "a clear requirement", or "a specific demand" depending on the context.

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

"A distinct need" and "a clear need" are both correct, but "a distinct need" emphasizes that the need is not only evident but also differentiated from other needs. "A clear need" simply indicates that the need is easily perceived. Choose the phrasing based on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "a distinct need" instead of "a significant need"?

Use "a distinct need" when the need is not only important but also uniquely defined and separate from other needs. "A significant need" simply indicates that the need is important. If you want to emphasize the uniqueness of the need, choose "a distinct need".