a profound need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or significant requirement for something, often in emotional or psychological contexts. Example: "After years of isolation, she felt a profound need for connection and companionship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Blanche and Stanley also share a profound need for understanding and companionship.

The New York Times

"I think there is a profound need for it," he said.

The New York Times

I believe we all have a profound need for a good relationship to another person.

The New York Times - Magazine

We very clearly recognise there is a profound need to earn the trust of Chinese people again.

The Guardian - Business

Gellhorn felt a profound need to take the side of the dispossessed, and did this via her writing.

The Guardian - Books

"We learned there's a massive need for education," she added, "and a profound need to build respect".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

At a time of profound need, world leaders had squandered a chance to radically rethink the treaties and organisations that govern the world's handling of refugees, Betts said, arguing that the refugee system needed to be rethought in the same way that the international monetary system was reworked in the 1970s.

The Guardian

Financial Statespeople emerge into leadership positions on Wall Street and lead these firms to a sustainable position serving the real needs of an economic system in profound need of transformation.

Huffington Post

Her family said in a statement: "Her devoting the rest of her life to work on the Holocaust and to Judaeo-Christian dialogue arose out of her profound need as a Christian to comprehend how such an event as the Holocaust could have happened in Christian Europe in the middle of the 20th Century and then to ensure through dissemination of the facts and teaching, that it could never happen again".

Independent

There is a divinity at work here, yet Hull's mantra has a humanist heart, concerning the profound need for understanding between the sighted and the blind, men and women, rich and poor, old and young.

The Guardian - Film

With the allegations in the New York Times linking Andy Coulson to phone hacking while he was editor of the News of the World, it is becoming clearer day by day that the sticky carpet of British journalism – with honourable exceptions – is in profound need of a good steam-clean.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a profound need", ensure the context clearly establishes the depth and significance of the requirement. Avoid using it for trivial or superficial needs.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound need" when a simpler expression of need would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound need" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a deep and significant requirement or necessity, emphasizing the importance of the need being described. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a profound need" is a versatile expression indicating a deep and significant requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is especially prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, where conveying the seriousness and depth of a need is crucial. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid overstating the need if a simpler expression would suffice. Alternatives like "a critical necessity" or "a deep-seated need" can offer similar meanings while varying the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep-seated need

Emphasizes the ingrained or fundamental nature of the need.

a critical necessity

Highlights the urgency and importance of the need.

an intense requirement

Focuses on the high degree of demand or obligation.

a significant demand

Underscores the importance and scale of the need.

a dire necessity

Implies a situation where the need is extremely urgent and critical.

a compelling urge

Indicates a strong internal drive or need.

a pressing requirement

Highlights the urgency and immediacy of the need.

a fundamental requisite

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the need.

a heartfelt desire

Focuses on the emotional depth and sincerity of the need.

an essential imperative

Highlights the vital and unavoidable nature of the need.

FAQs

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

Use "a profound need" to describe a deep or significant requirement, often emotional or psychological. For instance, "After the disaster, there was "a profound need" for community support".

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

You can use alternatives like "a deep-seated need", "a critical necessity", or "an intense requirement" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a profound need"?

It's appropriate when emphasizing the depth and importance of a requirement. Using it highlights that the need is not superficial but deeply felt or critically important.

Is there a difference between "a profound need" and "a great need"?

"A profound need" suggests a deeper, more significant requirement, often with emotional or psychological implications, whereas "a great need" simply indicates a large or substantial requirement. The former has more gravity.