absolutely need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely need" is correct and can be used in written English.
It emphasizes the intensity of the need. Example sentence: We absolutely need more people to help us with this project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would absolutely need assistance".

The New York Times

And you absolutely need a styling gel.

The New Yorker

We absolutely need to change that.

The Guardian

Others absolutely need these drugs and procedures.

The New York Times - Health

But we absolutely need an election now.

The Guardian - Books

"You absolutely need it to answer some very basic questions".

The New York Times - Health

We absolutely need to do something about that".

The Guardian

You absolutely need a hero from Lioni's in Bensonhurst.

The New York Times - Food

"We absolutely need voices speaking out," she said.

The New York Times

For new operas, experimental stages absolutely need to be incorporated.

The Guardian - Music

"These are people who deserve our friendship, our kindness, and absolutely need our support," Black said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely need" to emphasize a strong requirement, especially when clarifying the critical importance of something in a given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely need" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "urgently require" or "vitally important" to maintain emphasis without sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely need" functions as an intensified verb phrase, emphasizing the necessity of an action or requirement. This highlights the critical nature of what is being expressed, indicating that it is not merely desirable but essential. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

37%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely need" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong sense of necessity. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is accurate and suitable for use in diverse contexts. While most common in news and media, along with wiki sources, it is considered neutral in formality. To avoid overuse, consider the suggested alternatives, such as "urgently require" or "vitally important", to add variety to your writing while maintaining emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgently require

Emphasizes the time-sensitive aspect of the need.

vitally important

Shifts the focus to the importance of the needed element or action.

essential to have

Highlights the necessity of possession.

imperative that you

Introduces a more formal and commanding tone.

critically important to

Stresses the critical nature of the need in relation to something else.

indispensable for

Highlights that something cannot be done without it.

must have without fail

Adds a sense of obligation and certainty.

cannot do without

Emphasizes the impossibility of functioning without something.

have got to have

Adopts a more colloquial and emphatic tone.

by all means necessary

Conveys a sense of determination and willingness to do whatever it takes.

FAQs

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

You can use "absolutely need" to express a strong requirement or necessity, such as, "We "absolutely need" more funding to complete this project successfully".

What's a less intense way to say "absolutely need"?

If you want to express a need without as much intensity, you could use phrases like "really need", "require", or "need".

Is it ever incorrect to use "absolutely need"?

While grammatically correct, overusing ""absolutely need"" can weaken its impact. Use it judiciously to emphasize truly critical requirements.

What are some alternatives to "absolutely need" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "vitally important", "imperative", or "essential" to maintain a professional tone while conveying strong necessity.