based on a need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on a need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is determined or influenced by a specific requirement or necessity. Example: "The project was developed based on a need for improved communication within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A synthesized research definition of cognitive flexibility is a switch in thinking, whether that is specifically based on a switch in rules or broadly based on a need to switch one's previous beliefs or thoughts to new situations.

Wikipedia

We did not include patients referred to intermediate care units, transferred from one ICU to another based on a need for specific resources, or previously refused admission to another ICU.

Annals of Intensive Care

So much of social media posting is based on a need we have.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the study authors didn't conclude that cats don't develop close relationships, just that they don't appear to be based on a need for safety and security.

Independent

The development of any medical device is based on a need, normally an end-user such as a clinician, nurse, or other biomedical practitioner.

Chitin Fulfilling a Biomaterials Promise

The prime minister's spokeswoman said: "Health professionals were asked to review cases where people qualified for personal independence payments based on a need for aids and appliances they have for their disability.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Both websites were thoroughly developed based on a needs assessment and two evidence-based guidelines, and reviewed by an interdisciplinary advisory committee.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Only five programs were based on a needs assessment, four among the residents themselves [ 21- 24] and one among their supervisors [ 25].

BMC Medical Education

The aim of the present study was to compare change in functioning, affective symptoms and level of psychosis-risk symptoms in symptomatic adolescents who were treated either in an early intervention programme based on a need-adapted Family- and Community-orientated integrative Treatment Model (FCTM) or in standard adolescent psychiatric treatment (Treatment As Usual, TAU).

Psychiatry Research

We do not distribute textbooks or computers based on a needs test.

The New York Times

The American Indian Community House provides financial awards based on a needs assessment and include: tuition assistance, books & supplies, and stipends.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on a need", ensure that the need is clearly defined and relevant to the action or decision being described. For example, specify whose need it is and why it's important.

Common error

Avoid using "based on a need" without specifying what the need is or who has it. Saying "the project was initiated based on a need" is less effective than "the project was initiated based on a need to improve data security for customers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on a need" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a verb or noun, indicating the reason or justification for an action or decision. Ludwig's examples show its common use in explaining the underlying rationale behind various actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "based on a need" is a prepositional phrase used to explain the rationale behind an action, decision, or design. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the need and who has it. Consider alternatives like "necessitated by a requirement" or "driven by a requirement" to add nuance to your writing. Always remember to define the need clearly to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

necessitated by a requirement

Highlights the compelling nature of the underlying requirement.

predicated on a necessity

Emphasizes that the necessity is a precondition for something else.

driven by a requirement

Focuses on the requirement as the force behind the action.

stemming from a requirement

Indicates that the action or decision originated from a specific requirement.

justified by a necessity

Highlights that the necessity provides a valid reason or excuse.

prompted by a necessity

Highlights the necessity as the direct trigger for the action.

founded on a requirement

Stresses the requirement as the firm base or origin.

contingent on a necessity

Highlights that the action is conditional upon the necessity.

resulting from a necessity

Focuses on the necessity as the cause leading to a specific outcome.

motivated by a requirement

Emphasizes that the requirement is the incentive behind the action.

FAQs

How can I use "based on a need" in a sentence?

You can use "based on a need" to explain the rationale behind a decision, action, or design. For example: "The new policy was implemented "necessitated by a requirement" to enhance security."

What are some alternatives to saying "based on a need"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "driven by a requirement", "prompted by a necessity", or "contingent on a necessity".

Is it always necessary to specify the "need" when using "based on a need"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the need provides clarity and context to your writing. A sentence like "The strategy was developed" becomes clearer when you add "The strategy was developed "motivated by a requirement" to reduce costs".

What is the difference between "based on a need" and "based on a desire"?

"Based on a need" suggests something is essential or required, while "based on a desire" indicates something is driven by a want or preference. For example, a new hospital wing might be built based on a need to accommodate more patients, while a new marketing campaign might be launched based on a desire to increase brand awareness.