all but requires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but requires" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost necessary or essential, but not entirely so. Example: "The new policy all but requires employees to work overtime during peak seasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Put at its crudest, monetary union all but requires fiscal union, which in turn requires political union.

The Guardian - Opinion

The measure, which all but requires landlords to rent first-floor offices to retail businesses, is intended to reinvigorate downtown shopping.

The New York Times

The black Baptist service all but requires the enveloping swell of many voices raised as one, testifying to spiritual triumph over trial and doubt.

The New York Times

Still, our humanity all but requires us to think big thoughts about the present and future when confronted with a sacred piece of the past.

The New York Times

Given the frequent transfers, long hours and lack of domestic help, moving up the corporate ladder all but requires a stay-at-home spouse.

The Economist

PRICE: Free The United States Open, which runs through Sept. 11, is the kind of sporting event that all but requires a guide.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This approach is applicable to all patients but requires special attention for the elderly.

The Guardian

(Female black entertainers, by contrast, had been all but required to do so).

The New Yorker

But, obviously, it makes no sense to have zero tolerance for a practice that incentives all but require.

The New York Times

Should Alabama repeat, against Notre Dame in Miami on Monday night, additional ink will be all but required.

The New York Times - Sports

There are also the working hours of many offices, which extend deep into the evening and sometimes all but require social drinking afterward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all but requires", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject almost necessitates. Ambiguity can weaken the intended impact.

Common error

Avoid using "all but requires" when something is genuinely optional. This phrase indicates a very strong suggestion, so reserve it for situations where the alternative is highly undesirable or impractical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but requires" functions as a modal operator, expressing a strong degree of necessity or near-obligation. It modifies the verb that follows, indicating that the action is not strictly mandatory but is highly advisable or practically essential. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all but requires" is a phrase used to express a strong, but not absolute, necessity. According to Ludwig AI analysis, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news, business, and science contexts. When writing, use "all but requires" to show that something is highly advisable without making it a strict mandate. Alternatives like "virtually necessitates" or "practically demands" can add different nuances. Remember to avoid overstating necessity and be clear about what "all but requires" refers to. The phrase, while strong, implies that exceptions might exist. This makes "all but requires" a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually necessitates

This alternative emphasizes the almost unavoidable nature of the requirement.

practically demands

This option suggests a strong need, close to being an explicit demand.

almost compels

This conveys a strong sense of pressure or urging, nearing compulsion.

essentially needs

This highlights the fundamental necessity of something.

nearly mandates

This indicates a situation close to being formally required or ordered.

effectively necessitates

Focuses on the practical outcome, indicating requirement by effect.

amounts to a requirement

This phrases shows how something practically works as a requirement.

is as good as a requirement

This phrases shows how something has almost the same result/effect as a requirement.

borders on needing

This emphasizes the closeness to a state of needing something.

comes close to obligating

This highlights the extent to which something results into some sort of duty.

FAQs

How can I use "all but requires" in a sentence?

Use "all but requires" to suggest something is almost essential. For example, "Success in this field all but requires a strong work ethic" means a good work ethic is highly important for success.

What is a good alternative to "all but requires"?

Alternatives include "virtually necessitates", "practically demands", or "essentially needs", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "all but requires" or "absolutely requires"?

"All but requires" indicates a strong suggestion, whereas "absolutely requires" denotes a strict necessity. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of compulsion.

Does "all but requires" imply that there are exceptions?

Yes, "all but requires" suggests exceptions are possible, though perhaps difficult or undesirable. If no exceptions exist, "absolutely requires" is more appropriate.