as a need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a need" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you are discussing something that is required or necessary, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "We should address this issue as a need for improvement in our processes."

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The business came about as a need to eat.

The Guardian - Sport

Some moms may interpret this natural behavior as a need to supplement the baby with formula.

Stanford University

Was this something your organization identified as a need during one of your earlier reconnaissance missions?

Columbia University

Which expresses itself as a need to control!" He stops to laugh at himself.

The New York Times

Is the internet important and should it be judged as a need?

The Guardian

There's a kind of realism about cars as a need rather than a desire".

The New York Times

As a generation, they're also very high on what we would think of as a need for achievement.

Cornell University

They are typically added to a network as a need arises, and each has its own management interface.

University of California, Berkeley

I live on a reservation and what I see as a need is the staying power of mentors.

Cornell University

/ A naked lake, transparent as a need," and then "The Hall of Stuff We Bought at the Mall.

The New York Times - Books

The way Felton is playing, the Knicks could cross off point guard as a need and concentrate on other areas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more precise alternatives such as "as a requirement" or "out of necessity" if they better fit the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Common error

While "as a need" is grammatically acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. It can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "as a necessity" or "as a requirement". Vary your phrasing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a need" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate the reason, condition, or basis for an action or state. Ludwig highlights its use across various contexts, showcasing its role in specifying the essential nature of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a need" functions as a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the necessity of something. While grammatically acceptable, its use can sometimes be improved by considering more precise or formal alternatives like "as a requirement" or "out of necessity". As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is found across various contexts, including academic, scientific, and news media. However, it's important to be mindful of overuse and ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being considered necessary. While the frequency is high, the phrase is not always the best stylistic choice, and writers should consider alternatives to enhance clarity and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a requirement

A more direct and formal way of expressing something that is needed or compulsory.

out of necessity

Focuses on the driving force of the requirement rather than the recognition of the requirement itself.

given the need for

Acknowledges a need and sets the stage for a discussion or action related to addressing that need.

due to a need

Emphasizes the causal relationship between a need and a subsequent action or event.

considering the requirement

Similar to "given the need for", but emphasizes that something is being taken into account because it is necessary.

because of the necessity

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the need, suggesting it's crucial and cannot be ignored.

in response to a need

Implies that an action is being taken to address or fulfill a specific need that has arisen.

on the grounds of necessity

Suggests that a decision or action is justified by the fact that it is essential or indispensable.

by virtue of necessity

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing that something exists or is done because it is absolutely essential.

for want of a better option

Suggests that the action has been taken because there is not a preferable choice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as a need" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "as a requirement", "as a necessity", or "out of necessity" depending on the context.

Is "as a need" always the best choice, or are there situations where it should be avoided?

While grammatically correct, "as a need" can sometimes sound awkward. It's best to use it when you want to emphasize the essential or required nature of something. In more formal contexts, alternatives like "as a requirement" are often preferable.

What's the difference between "as a need" and "due to a need"?

"As a need" indicates that something is considered necessary, while "due to a need" indicates that something happened because a need existed. The latter emphasizes causality.

How can I use "as a need" effectively in a sentence?

Use "as a need" when you want to present something as an essential requirement or condition. For example: "We should address this issue "as a need" for improvement in our processes."