according to need

USAGE SUMMARY

"according to need" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is based on or determined by a specific need or requirement. Examples: 1. The amount of food distributed to each family will be given according to need. 2. Our company offers flexible work hours according to need, to accommodate employees with different schedules. 3. The cost of the project will be adjusted according to need, to ensure it stays within budget. 4. The school provides additional tutoring sessions according to need, to help students struggling in certain subjects. 5. The doctor will prescribe medication according to need, based on the severity of the illness. 6. Our charity organization provides aid and support according to need, to help those who are most vulnerable. Note: "According to needs" is also a commonly used variant of this phrase.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Providing care according to need and not ability to pay.

The Guardian

Opera North switches its language policy according to need.

The Guardian - Music

Money should be disbursed according to need, not occupation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's the animal with the organic house that grows according to need," Ms. Nisanyan explained.

The New York Times

He said it was important the money was invested according to need.

The Guardian - Sport

"It grows according to need and the available materials and craftsmen".

The New York Times

Volunteering is not for everybody and is used according to need.

The Guardian

The charismatic Alex Salmond dominates the political scene, charming or bullying according to need.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aid should be distributed according to need, not "points on a compass", say Ruhr mayors.

The Economist

"RECRUITMENT in specific languages varies according to need," says MI5's website.

The Economist

Means-testing — allocating benefits according to need — might offer both sides a way out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "according to need" to clearly communicate that resource allocation or actions are determined by specific requirements or deficiencies, ensuring equitable distribution and efficient use of resources.

Common error

While "according to need" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "as required" or "dependent on the situation" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to need" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the basis or condition upon which an action or distribution is determined. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to need" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe actions or allocations determined by specific requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in various contexts, including Science, News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academia. It's generally neutral in tone and conveys a sense of fairness and efficiency. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with your intended meaning, and consider alternatives like "as needed" or "dependent on the situation" to prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corresponding to need

This alternative uses "corresponding" which implies a direct relationship or match to what is required.

according to requirements

This focuses on explicit requirements rather than a general sense of need.

according to necessity

Replaces "need" with "necessity", emphasizing the essential or indispensable nature of the requirement.

in accordance with need

Changes the prepositional structure to emphasize compliance with a standard of need.

relative to demand

Uses "demand" to suggest a specific request or claim that creates a need.

as needed

A shorter, more concise expression indicating that something is provided or done only when required.

dependent on demand

This implies a reliance or contingency on what is being requested or required.

proportional to requirement

Uses "proportional" to highlight a balance between the provision and the demand.

tailored to the situation

Focuses on the adaptation of something to fit specific circumstances.

adjusted by necessity

Highlights that adjustments are made because of unavoidable requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "according to need" in a sentence?

You can use "according to need" to indicate that something is distributed or adjusted based on specific requirements. For example, "Resources will be allocated "according to need" to ensure everyone receives adequate support."

What are some alternatives to "according to need"?

Alternatives include "as needed", "depending on the situation", or "based on requirements". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "according to need" or "according to needs"?

Both "according to need" and "according to needs" are grammatically acceptable. "According to need" is generally preferred for a more general or abstract sense of requirement, while "according to needs" might be used when referring to specific, identified needs.

What's the difference between "according to need" and "as needed"?

"According to need" implies a more structured or formal assessment of requirements before allocation or action. "As needed", on the other hand, suggests a more immediate or ad hoc response to emerging requirements. For example, a hospital might allocate staff "according to need" based on patient census, but provide pain medication "as needed".