a practical need for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical need for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a necessity or requirement that is grounded in practicality or real-world application. Example: "There is a practical need for more sustainable energy solutions in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Yet there was also a practical need for a drastic enlargement of scale.

The New Yorker

It's less about belief, less about hope, than about a practical need for definitions I can live with.

The New York Times - Magazine

While economical alternatives have been proposed recently for some special cases, there is a practical need for a computationally efficient approach that can be applied more broadly.

Journal of Computational Physics

There is also a practical need for something like this to help "close the loop," as online marketers like to say, between presenting information and actually acting on it.

TechCrunch

Another factor in pardon applications is whether the person has a practical need for presidential mercy.

Huffington Post

Conservative MP John Baron argued last month there was a practical need for the procedure: "It would be the very worst outcome if, after publication, the report were torn to shreds by legal actions and counter-claim" he said.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There is also a practical need here for a domed stadium or one with a retractable roof.

The New York Times

A practical need exists for reconstruction of photoacoustic images from few measurements, as this can greatly reduce the required scanning time and the number of ultrasound sensors placed near or on the boundary of an object to receive the laser-induced acoustic signals.

Biomedical Optics Express

Additionally, our work was driven by an emerging practical need for a mutual understanding between clinicians and health economists with regard to respective methodology, application and interpretation.

Clinical Endocrinology

The awareness about the hazards related to geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) has generated a well-defined practical need for quantification of extreme space weather impact on high-voltage power transmission systems.

Earth, Planets and Space

The second clause of subsection (a) is intended to recognize the practical need for a limited privilege to make arrangements of music being used under a compulsory license, but without allowing the music to be perverted, distorted, or travestied.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a practical need for", ensure that you clearly articulate the specific problem or situation that necessitates the practical solution. Providing context will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a practical need for" when the need is purely theoretical or lacks a clear, real-world application. Always ensure the need directly addresses a tangible problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical need for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. It typically introduces a reason or justification for something, emphasizing its real-world applicability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples demonstrating its role in highlighting necessary solutions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a practical need for" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase that highlights requirements based on real-world applications. Ludwig AI identifies it as a neutral phrase, commonly found in science, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate the problem it addresses to avoid overstated claims. Consider alternatives such as "a realistic demand for" or "a functional requirement for" to add nuance. Understanding its pragmatic use will enhance your writing by making your statements more persuasive and grounded.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pragmatic necessity for

Highlights the practical and problem-solving nature of the need, emphasizing its importance in addressing real-world issues.

an applicable necessity for

Highlights the relevance and suitability of the necessity, underscoring its importance for a specific context or situation.

a functional requirement for

Emphasizes the functional aspect of the necessity, highlighting its role in achieving a specific task or purpose.

a viable need for

Highlights the potential for the need to be successfully met or addressed, emphasizing its feasibility and sustainability.

a realistic demand for

Stresses the feasibility and achievability of the demand, making it more grounded and less theoretical.

a working requirement for

Focuses on the operational and functional aspects of the requirement, emphasizing its role in facilitating effective performance.

a serviceable requirement for

Emphasizes the utility and effectiveness of the requirement, highlighting its role in providing a valuable service or function.

a usable demand for

Stresses the practicality and ease of use associated with the demand, emphasizing its accessibility and relevance.

a tangible demand for

Emphasizes the concrete and measurable aspects of the demand, making it more evident and less abstract.

an essential requirement for

Focuses on the critical and indispensable nature of the requirement, underscoring its importance for success or survival.

FAQs

How do I use "a practical need for" in a sentence?

Use "a practical need for" to introduce a necessity that is grounded in real-world application, such as, "There is "a practical need for" more skilled tradespeople in the construction industry."

What can I say instead of "a practical need for"?

You can use alternatives like "a functional requirement for", "a realistic demand for", or "a pragmatic necessity for" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a practical need for"?

While "need" often implies practicality, using ""a practical need for"" can emphasize that the need is based on real-world applications, differentiating it from theoretical or abstract needs.

What's the difference between "a need for" and "a practical need for"?

"A need for" generally indicates a requirement, while ""a practical need for"" specifically emphasizes that the requirement is driven by real-world applicability and problem-solving.