a legitimate need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a requirement or necessity that is valid and justifiable. Example: "The organization must demonstrate a legitimate need for the funding to secure approval from the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We will send an armadillo to anyone who has a legitimate need for one, a legitimate need," he said.

The New York Times

For its part, the government insists the upgrade fills a legitimate need.

The New York Times

Confidential information is shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know.

Harvard University

Access to that version of the KIC will be granted to users with a legitimate need.

Harvard University

"Before the MetroCard, there was a legitimate need for overtime," Ms. Hickey said.

The New York Times

"There's a legitimate need to talk about Hillary's record and her stand on the issues".

The New York Times

Or maybe you feel like there is a legitimate need for another starting pitcher, reliever or bat.

The New York Times

Law enforcement agencies have a legitimate need for evidence, which is all the more pressing in terrorism cases.

The New York Times

Mr. Leibfried said some union health plans had a legitimate need for waivers because they had annual coverage limits lower than $750,000.

The New York Times - Health

Nonetheless, it accepted the authorities' argument that they have a legitimate need to analyze such information, and that this need can override individuals' right to privacy.

The New Yorker

Energy-starved North Korea has a legitimate need for nuclear-generated power, while Iran is one of the world's leading oil producers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a legitimate need", ensure you can clearly articulate the reasons why the need is valid and justifiable. Provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the urgency or importance of a need to make it seem more "legitimate" than it actually is. Accurately represent the situation without resorting to hyperbole or misleading language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate need" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a requirement or necessity considered valid, justifiable, or reasonable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate need" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a valid or justifiable requirement. As Ludwig AI indicates, its widespread usage across news, academic, and scientific domains underscores its versatility. While alternatives like ""a justifiable need"" or ""a valid requirement"" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Remember to provide clear reasons and evidence when asserting "a legitimate need" to enhance its credibility and avoid exaggerating the necessity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justifiable need

Replaces "legitimate" with "justifiable", emphasizing the defensibility of the need.

a valid requirement

Substitutes "need" with "requirement", suggesting a more formal and obligatory necessity.

a genuine necessity

Replaces "legitimate" with "genuine" and "need" with "necessity", stressing the authenticity and indispensability.

a real requirement

Uses "real" instead of "legitimate", indicating that the need is tangible and not fabricated.

a compelling reason

Shifts the focus to the reason behind the need, implying it's persuasive and undeniable.

a pressing demand

Highlights the urgency and importance of the need.

an essential prerequisite

Emphasizes that the need is a mandatory condition that must be met beforehand.

a warranted request

Focuses on the request itself being justified and reasonable.

a justified demand

Emphasizes the demand is defensible and fair.

a sound basis

Suggests the need is based on a solid and reasonable foundation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate need" to describe a requirement or necessity that is valid and justifiable. For example, "The company demonstrated "a legitimate need" for additional funding to expand its operations."

What can I say instead of "a legitimate need"?

You can use alternatives like "a justifiable need", "a valid requirement", or "a genuine necessity" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a legitimate need"?

It's appropriate to use "a legitimate need" when you want to emphasize that a requirement is not arbitrary or frivolous, but rather based on valid reasons or circumstances. It suggests that the need is reasonable and deserving of attention.

Is there a difference between "a legitimate need" and "a justified need"?

While both phrases are similar, "a legitimate need" emphasizes the validity and lawfulness of the need, whereas "a justified need" focuses on the reasons or arguments that support the need, making it appear reasonable and defensible.