a matter of need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is necessary or required in a particular situation. Example: "In this project, securing funding is a matter of need to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It was clearly not a matter of need," Ms. Melucci said.

The New York Times - Style

William Alpert, an economics professor at UConn, says it is all a matter of need.

The New York Times

Developing countries have also embraced the idea of decentralised energy creation as a matter of need, not choice.

BBC

But basically, it was just a matter of need.

Huffington Post

Tax has become not a matter of need and policy, but a litmus test of conservative purity.

Huffington Post

I don't think it's a matter of need for her but she definitely would like someone to share her life with and that romantic element is a good balance in Charlie's somewhat serious life".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's a matter of needs versus wants".

The New York Times

"It's not necessarily a matter of needing more money," said her mother.

The New York Times

It doesn't even have to be mercenary; just a matter of needing to Make Something – Anything – Happen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is not a matter of needing liquidity, but the need for a yield curve that will benefit banks which are sitting on a massive amount of liquidity and not lending," said Yazan Abdeen, a portfolio manager at ING Investment Management in Dubai.

The New York Times

"It's apparent that what occurred here were violations of existing laws, so it's not just a matter of needing more laws to prevent a tragic accident," Mr. Gribbon said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of need", ensure the context clearly establishes what the need is and why it is essential. This provides clarity and emphasizes the importance of addressing it.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of need" when describing simple preferences or desires. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the need is truly critical and objectively verifiable, not merely a subjective want.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of need" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies or characterizes something as being essential or required. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of need" is a grammatically sound phrase that highlights the essential nature of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific discussions, though it's important to reserve it for genuinely critical situations rather than mere preferences. While its usage is not as frequent as more common phrases, understanding its proper application can add precision and emphasis to your writing. Consider exploring alternatives like "a question of necessity" or "a critical requirement" to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of necessity

Replaces "matter" with "question" and "need" with "necessity", emphasizing the unavoidable nature of the requirement.

a vital necessity

Similar to "a question of necessity" but uses "vital" to intensify the importance of the necessity.

a critical requirement

Emphasizes that the need is not merely desirable, but essential for a specific purpose.

a crucial demand

Emphasizes the strength and importance of the request or requirement.

a point of urgency

Focuses on the time-sensitive aspect of the need, highlighting its immediate importance.

an indispensable condition

Highlights the absolute necessity of the requirement, indicating that something cannot happen without it.

a prime requisite

Suggests that the need is a fundamental condition that must be met first.

an issue of vital importance

Elevates the significance of the need, suggesting it's crucial for success or survival.

a pressing concern

Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the need promptly.

a basic essential

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the need, implying it's a core component.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of need" in a sentence?

Use "a matter of need" to emphasize that something is essential or required. For example, "Securing funding is "a matter of need" to ensure the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "a matter of need"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a question of necessity", "a critical requirement", or "a pressing concern", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a matter of need" in formal writing?

Yes, "a matter of need" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when highlighting essential requirements or critical situations. However, consider alternatives like "an indispensable condition" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "a matter of need" and "a matter of urgency"?

"A matter of need" emphasizes that something is essential, while "a matter of urgency" highlights that something requires immediate attention. While related, "a matter of urgency" focuses on the time-sensitive aspect, whereas the QUERY focuses on the fundamental necessity.