a firm requirement

USAGE SUMMARY

"a firm requirement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be changed. For example, "Attendance is a firm requirement for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Allen Kraus, the agency's deputy commissioner for income maintenance programs, said that a social worker who denied someone benefits for not having a mailing address would be "incorrect," since a mailing address is not a firm requirement.

The New York Times

Mr. Gates said that the new ballistic missile submarine, the long-range aerial strike systems, an advanced combat vehicle for the Army and a presidential helicopter could cost more than $200 billion over the next decades, and the new approaches will be incorporated "right at the beginning as a firm requirement for each new program".

The New York Times

Mr. Stournaras did not say outright that the buyback was a firm requirement for the release of 34.4 billion euros, or $44.5 billion, in bailout money next month, though the International Monetary Fund, one of Greece's troika of creditors, signaled as much this week.

The New York Times

Patience is a firm requirement if you want to succeed at just about anything, and investing is no exception.

Forbes

Now its is finally getting tough on spam, making the 10-second rule a firm requirement for news and video apps.

TechCrunch

It's easy to forget (and many kids probably ignore it entirely), but Facebook maintains a firm requirement that everyone on the site be thirteen years of age or older.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Faced with the prospect of having to put up more money in his brokerage accounts to meet margin calls -- a brokerage firm requirement when the value of stocks falls too far -- Mr. Talsky sold shares into the market downturn.

The New York Times

While they have yet to disclose the requirements, Advizent gave simple examples including a firm's requirement to separate custody from discretion and audit (i.e., unlike Madoff), retain sufficient Errors & Omissions insurance, meet the key fiduciary standards, and other operational structures.

HuffPost

One firm requirement of a confounder, however, is that it must not be on the causal pathway between exposure and outcome, as M is in Figure 1B.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Just to clarify, while there isn't a firm legal requirement for Cabinet and sub-Cabinet officials to release their tax returns, Senate committees routinely demand them during the confirmation process, particularly for officials in departments such as the Treasury whose decisions could bear on their personal finances.

The Washington Post

Dennis Nixon, chairman of International Bancshares Corp., wants a firm location requirement, as his company's short volume recently rose to 11 million shares, which is up 891%, and his company's stock price fell from $24 to $6.55 in a matter of months.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a firm requirement", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is subject to the requirement. Clarity prevents misinterpretation and ensures compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm requirement" when there is a possibility of exceptions or modifications. Misrepresenting a requirement as unchangeable when it is not can damage credibility and create unnecessary conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm requirement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as an essential or mandatory condition, as indicated by Ludwig AI. Examples show it defining necessary conditions for benefits, program participation, or project success.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm requirement" denotes an essential and non-negotiable condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While most commonly found in news and media contexts, it is also used in scientific and business settings. To effectively use the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the immutability of the condition and that the context is appropriate for its level of formality. Considering related phrases can enhance precision. Remember, using this phrase implies no exceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strict necessity

Emphasizes the unyielding nature of the requirement.

an absolute prerequisite

Highlights that the requirement must be fulfilled before anything else can happen.

a non-negotiable condition

Focuses on the fact that the requirement cannot be altered or discussed.

a mandatory obligation

Highlights the compulsory nature of the requirement.

an essential criterion

Highlights the importance of the requirement as a standard for judgment.

an indispensable element

Stresses that the requirement is crucial and cannot be done without.

a crucial stipulation

Highlights that the requirement is a key term or condition.

a vital demand

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the requirement.

a definitive specification

Focuses on the clear and precise nature of the requirement.

a binding provision

Highlights that the requirement is legally or contractually enforceable.

FAQs

How can I use "a firm requirement" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm requirement" to indicate something that is absolutely necessary and cannot be changed. For instance, "Submitting the application by the deadline is "a firm requirement" for all candidates."

What is an alternative to saying "a firm requirement"?

Alternatives to "a firm requirement" include "a strict necessity", "an absolute prerequisite", or "a non-negotiable condition", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a firm requirement" in informal settings?

While "a firm requirement" isn't overly formal, alternatives with stronger, less flexible implications might be preferable in professional or academic environments where precision is key.

What's the difference between "a firm requirement" and "a general guideline"?

"A firm requirement" indicates something that must be done, while "a general guideline" is a recommendation that can be followed but isn't mandatory. Understanding this difference helps ensure appropriate use of language when setting expectations or rules.