an overwhelming need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense desire or requirement for something. Example: "After months of searching for a job, I felt an overwhelming need to find stability in my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Davies has an overwhelming need to compose.

The Guardian - Music

This necessitates an overwhelming need for a better approach.

International Journal of Information Management

I felt an overwhelming need to go to the movies.

The New York Times - Travel

The criteria are: is there an overwhelming need?

The Guardian

She had an overwhelming need for meat, which she did not acknowledge.

The New Yorker

As you say, there is an overwhelming need for sustained international engagement in Afghanistan's reconstruction.

The New York Times

There is an overwhelming need to be in the middle of whatever is popular.

Harvard Business Review

"I think the reason is simply this – that the Sahrawis have an overwhelming need to tell their stories".

The Guardian

Do you feel an overwhelming need for location-sensitive information -- say, a review of every Italian restaurant within a mile?

The New York Times

Brexit, Trump, Channel 4's Naked Attraction: there is now an overwhelming need for escape and retreat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some companies, faced with such an overwhelming need for new bodies, might scale back their ambitions or soften their message.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overwhelming need", ensure the context clearly establishes what is lacking or desired and why it is critically important. Specificity enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming need" when a simple desire or preference is meant. This phrase implies a critical requirement, so reserve it for situations where the absence of something would have significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming need" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a critical requirement or intense desire that is of utmost importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming need" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that conveys the significance and urgency of a requirement or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, it is essential to ensure the context justifies the intensity it implies. For situations requiring less emphasis, consider using alternatives like "a strong desire" or "a significant interest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical necessity

Emphasizes the essential nature of the need.

a pressing requirement

Highlights the urgency and importance of the need.

a dire exigency

Indicates a more severe and urgent need.

a vital demand

Stresses the importance and necessity of the need.

an urgent call

Focuses on the immediate action required to address the need.

a compelling reason

Highlights the strength of the justification behind the need.

an acute shortage

Emphasizes the lack of something, creating a need.

a significant deficit

Focuses on the gap or deficiency that creates the need.

a profound void

Indicates a deep and impactful lack, resulting in a need.

a basic instinct

Suggests an inherent and fundamental need.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming need" to describe a critical requirement or desire. For example, "There is "an overwhelming need" for clean water in the disaster area".

What phrases can I use instead of "an overwhelming need"?

Alternatives to "an overwhelming need" include "a critical necessity", "a pressing requirement", or "a dire exigency", depending on the context.

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

Use "an overwhelming need" when describing situations where something is critically lacking, and its absence would lead to significant negative consequences or hardship.

Is "an overwhelming need" too strong for everyday situations?

Yes, "an overwhelming need" is a strong phrase. For less critical situations, consider alternatives like "a strong desire" or "a significant interest".