a need to be around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a need to be around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or requirement to be in the presence of someone or something. Example: "After a long week at work, I feel a need to be around my friends to recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He had 50 cents in his pocket, too much sugar in his blood, and a need to be around others.

The New York Times

And a need to be around others, for their support and approval, because of his own self-disgust and discomfort at being alone with himself.

The Guardian - Sport

"Even people who are antisocial feel a need to be around other people for at least part of the day while they're working," said Laura Forlano, a visiting fellow at the Information Society Project at Yale Law School who has studied people working in communal offices and cafes.

The New York Times

"We've found that teens [who have had a sibling suicide] seem to leave home later and start their early adulthood later," Dr. Godfrey says, explaining that they feel a need to be around for their parents.

Vice

It isn't that they're afraid of other people; it's just that they don't feel as strong a need to be around others.[9].

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He will need to be around for a while longer, adding to his collection of medals and records, before the award of such a status is universally recognised.

The Guardian - Sport

For Adani to turn a profit the price of coal needs to be around US$110 a ton.

Vice

All this access isn't just a calculated risk; McCain has a near-clinical need to be around people.

The New Yorker

"We don't get a lot of young, healthy guys with three beautiful girls and a family they need to be around for," he said.

Huffington Post

"There was a need to be making something rather than sitting around feeling helpless," Spiegelman told New York Magazine.

Huffington Post

An improved offer remains a real possibility, and this would likely need to be around 350p or higher to be successful.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a need to be around", consider the specific reason for that need. Is it for emotional support, social interaction, or something else? Clarifying the reason can make your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "a need to be around" when a simple preference would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make the need seem more critical than it is, potentially weakening your argument or sounding melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a need to be around" functions as a noun phrase expressing a desire or requirement for social interaction or proximity. It often acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, describing the state of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirmed, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a need to be around" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for conveying a desire or necessity for companionship or social interaction. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates that it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid overstating the need when a simple preference would suffice. Alternatives like "a desire for company" or "longing for social interaction" can provide nuance and precision in your writing. Remember to assess the intensity of the desire and use the phrase accordingly to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a desire for company

Focuses on the emotional aspect of wanting companionship.

a longing for social interaction

Emphasizes the yearning for connection with others.

an urge to socialize

Highlights the impulsive nature of wanting to be around people.

a requirement for interaction

Indicates that social engagement is a necessity.

a compulsion to be near

Suggests an irresistible drive to be in close proximity.

a craving for fellowship

Highlights the desire for companionship and shared activities.

a yen for association

Emphasizes the inclination towards being with others.

a demand for connection

Indicates that establishing a bond is essential.

a pull towards others

Emphasizes the attractive force of being in the company of people.

an inclination to mingle

Highlights the tendency to mix and socialize with others.

FAQs

How can I use "a need to be around" in a sentence?

You can use "a need to be around" to describe someone's craving for company, such as "After being alone for so long, she felt "a need to be around" friends and family".

What's a more casual way to express "a need to be around"?

For a less formal tone, you could say someone "wants to hang out" or "misses being with people" instead of expressing "a need to be around" others.

Is it ever wrong to use "a need to be around"?

The phrase is grammatically correct, but be mindful of context. If the desire is minor, phrases like "a desire for company" might be more appropriate than expressing "a need to be around".

What's the difference between "a need to be around" and "wanting to be around"?

"A need to be around" implies a deeper, perhaps more essential requirement for social interaction, while "wanting to be around" suggests a preference or desire, but is not necessarily essential.