Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a general necessity
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a general necessity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is broadly required or essential in a particular context or situation. Example: "In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is a general necessity for successful teamwork."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Do the British public have a general necessity to be nannied more than other countries?
News & Media
Common vole burrow traits in the presence of a heterospecific competitor might reflect a general necessity for nestling protection against possible intruders.
Science
While for PsA this has not yet been established, the task force regarded the need to measure disease activity and amend therapy with persistently active disease as a general necessity and, therefore, as a principle.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Though Schefman and Petkoski continue to enjoy the creativity and improvisation that goes into executing temporary pop-up activations and public art initiatives, they came to recognize the immense value and general necessity of securing a permanent, physical headquarters in the city they call home.
News & Media
In addition to the general necessity of data profiling (developing a statistical knowledge of each variable's properties), fuzzy query capabilities give analysts and engineers, a highly flexible and robust method of semantically scouring large databases for new relationships, as well as for studying the degree to which known behaviors and relationships exist and can be isolated.
Compared with the women in our lives, we're fading in nearly every category: educational achievement, income growth and general necessity.
News & Media
Will the divide between the northern - and increasingly Labour - cities and the south grow further?" Another problem for Pickles is that that while the electorate might still broadly accept the general necessity of public spending cuts, it appears they will not countenance the reforms that attempt to deliver them.
News & Media
Such results emphasize the general necessity of bimodal emotion recognition.
Assuming that the hippocampus is indeed crucially involved in spatial navigation and memory of bats, this observation would imply that adult hippocampal neurogenesis is not of general necessity for superior performance in spatial abilities.
Science
Several German papers describe the general necessity and the theoretical foundation of interprofessional care offering limited insights in its actual implementation [ 4, 9, 10].
Science
This money would be used to pay for the general necessities of society – the armed forces, the police, the judicial system and to top up the monthly contributions into the personal savings accounts of the poorest, those who were unable to keep their own contributions at an acceptable level to guarantee a reasonable future pension and the like.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a general necessity", ensure the context clearly defines what the necessity entails to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify 'A general necessity for businesses is cybersecurity.'
Common error
Avoid using "a general necessity" when a specific need or requirement is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and weaken your argument.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a general necessity" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as broadly required or essential. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
33%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a general necessity" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something broadly needed or required. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. It's crucial to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization when employing this phrase. Consider alternatives like "a widespread need" or "a common requirement" for nuanced expression. Its primary function is to emphasize importance or essential nature in a wide context, making it suitable for a range of writing styles.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a widespread need
Emphasizes the extent of the necessity across a population or area.
a common requirement
Highlights that the necessity is standard or typical in certain situations.
a universal demand
Implies the necessity is something almost everyone requires or desires.
a broad obligation
Focuses on the compulsory nature of the necessity for a large group.
a collective imperative
Stresses the shared and crucial nature of the necessity.
an overall prerequisite
Highlights the necessity as a foundational condition.
a fundamental essential
Emphasizes that the necessity is basic and indispensable.
a societal must-have
Presents the necessity as something highly desirable and broadly accepted.
a basic expectation
Highlights the necessity as something generally anticipated or assumed.
an across-the-board imperative
Indicates the necessity applies uniformly to all cases or individuals.
FAQs
How can I use "a general necessity" in a sentence?
You can use "a general necessity" to describe something that is widely needed or required. For example, "In healthcare, continuous training is "a general necessity" for professionals to stay updated with the latest advancements."
What are some alternatives to "a general necessity"?
Alternatives to "a general necessity" include phrases like "a widespread need", "a common requirement", or "a universal demand", depending on the context.
Is it better to say "general necessity" or "a general necessity"?
Using the article "a" before "general necessity" is generally preferred for grammatical correctness, especially when referring to a specific instance or concept of general necessity. Saying just "general necessity" is less common in typical writing.
What's the difference between "a general necessity" and "an absolute necessity"?
"A general necessity" refers to something broadly required, while "an absolute necessity" indicates something that is essential and indispensable. The latter carries a stronger sense of urgency and importance.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested