an imperious need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an imperious need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, urgent, or commanding necessity for something. Example: "In times of crisis, there is often an imperious need for decisive leadership to guide the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There was, Simeone insisted, an "imperious need to win" but he watched through the window, a suspended man stuck in a glass cage, as they were defeated.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1901, he wrote, "The legend of the Wandering Jew has become a reality, proved by numerous observations of patients or unbalanced persons who suffer from an imperious need to walk, on and on".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cardiac arrest is the archetypal situation given the imperious need of rapid oxygen delivery in organs.

Annals of Intensive Care

The eponymous Laura Henderson (Judi Dench) is an imperious, imperial, upper-class widow in her late sixties who has spent much of her married life in India and on her husband's death in 1937 feels she needs a hobby.

The Guardian - Film

Emilia Clarke has never been better, unleashing an imperious sneer at all who doubted her.

Vice

"Kiss Me Again" is a fucking monster, an absolutely imperious, imperial monument of a record.

Vice

It wasn't an imperious performance by Wilkinson.

Independent

Ekaterina Krysanova is an imperious Gamzatti, dancing boldly.

Independent

"He had more of an imperious approach," Mr. Scott said.

The New York Times

Hitchens was a skilled and combative rhetorician with an imperious flair.

The Economist

Krysty Swann, a mezzo-soprano, was an imperious Rat and a doleful peddler.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To use the phrase effectively, ensure the context supports the strong, commanding connotation of "imperious". It works best when describing situations where there is no room for debate or delay.

Common error

Avoid using "an imperious need" in everyday situations where a simpler, less forceful expression would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an imperious need" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a requirement that is not only urgent but also demands immediate and unquestioning action, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an imperious need" is a noun phrase used to describe something that is not only urgent but also demands immediate and unquestioning action. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts and conveys a sense of authority and command. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where a strong, forceful expression is warranted, avoiding overuse in casual contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vital necessity

Emphasizes that the need is essential and indispensable.

a pressing requirement

Focuses on the urgency and immediacy of the need.

an overriding imperative

Highlights the supreme importance of the need.

a commanding necessity

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the need.

a critical demand

Stresses the importance of the demand being met.

an acute exigency

Highlights the urgency and critical nature of the situation.

a compelling obligation

Focuses on the moral or legal aspect of the need.

an inescapable duty

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the need.

a paramount consideration

Stresses the supreme importance of the consideration.

a categorical imperative

Implies a moral and universal obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "an imperious need" in a sentence?

You can use "an imperious need" to describe situations that require immediate and decisive action. For example: "There was "an imperious need" for rapid oxygen delivery in organs during the cardiac arrest."

What is a synonym for "an imperious need"?

Alternatives to "an imperious need" include "a pressing requirement", "a vital necessity", or "a compelling obligation". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an imperious need"?

"An imperious need" is appropriate when describing situations where there is a strong, undeniable requirement that demands immediate attention. It's suitable for formal or serious contexts, such as in discussing critical medical situations or urgent strategic decisions.

What's the difference between "an imperious need" and "an urgent need"?

While both phrases describe something that requires immediate attention, "an imperious need" carries a stronger connotation of authority and command. "An urgent need" simply implies that something is pressing, while "an imperious need" suggests that it must be addressed without question due to its supreme importance.