bare necessities

USAGE SUMMARY

'bare necessities' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used when referring to the most basic and necessary items or services. For example, "We packed only the bare necessities for our camping trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They start singing 'Bare Necessities' to me".

The New York Times

I have never seen so many bare necessities.

The Guardian - Books

To do this, Amazon is building its tablet with the bare necessities inside.

The New York Times

Nude travel is "a tremendous niche", says Nancy Tiemann of Bare Necessities, another nude-cruise firm.

The Economist

They contain the bare necessities of life – a bed, a table, a chair, a simple bathroom.

Independent

"We have to focus all of our dollars on the bare necessities," Ms. King said.

The New York Times

Mr. Miner described the governor as a frugal traveler who only needs "the bare necessities".

The New York Times

Their children were sent out to work to help pay for the bare necessities.

The New York Times

I survive by frequenting thrift shops for bare necessities, like warm sweaters.

The New York Times

It must inspire without exceeding the bare necessities of the contemplative life.

The New York Times

Because that's what austerity is: a battening down to bare necessities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budget constraints, use "bare necessities" to effectively convey the focus on only the most essential expenses.

Common error

Avoid using "bare necessities" in contexts where more than just basic needs are being addressed. The phrase implies a strict focus on only what is absolutely essential, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bare necessities" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing essential items or conditions for survival or basic living, evident in the many examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bare necessities" is a common and grammatically sound expression referring to the most essential items or services needed for survival or a specific purpose. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, reflecting its relevance in discussions about resource allocation, economic conditions, and basic living standards. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the specific context to ensure its appropriateness, avoiding its use when discussing situations that involve more than just basic needs. Alternatives such as "essential requirements" or "basic provisions" can be useful depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Essential requirements

Emphasizes the absolute necessity of certain items or conditions.

Basic provisions

Focuses on the fundamental supplies needed for survival or well-being.

Fundamental needs

Highlights the core requirements for human existence or a specific activity.

Essential commodities

Refers to necessary goods required by people.

Vital supplies

Stresses the importance of the items needed, especially in emergencies.

Indispensable items

Focuses on items so critical they cannot be done without.

Core necessities

Highlights the central and unavoidable needs.

Minimal requirements

Indicates the lowest acceptable level of needed supplies or conditions.

Life's essentials

Broader term that covers things needed to survive and live comfortably.

Basic essentials

Highlights simple and essential things to live on.

FAQs

What does the phrase "bare necessities" mean?

The phrase "bare necessities" refers to the most basic and essential items or services needed for survival or a specific purpose, without any luxuries or extras.

How can I use "bare necessities" in a sentence?

You can use "bare necessities" to describe a situation where resources are limited, such as: "During the economic crisis, many families struggled to afford even the "bare necessities"."

What are some synonyms for "bare necessities"?

Some synonyms for "bare necessities" include "essential requirements", "basic provisions", and "fundamental needs".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "bare necessities"?

While grammatically correct, using "bare necessities" might be inappropriate if the context involves more than just the basics. For example, if discussing a comfortable lifestyle, it wouldn't fit as well as if describing survival situations.