basic necessities of life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'basic necessities of life' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the bare minimum items needed to sustain life, such as food, shelter, and clothing. For example, "In addition to providing shelter, this charity organization also helps families secure the basic necessities of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"As a result, some needy children are denied the basic necessities of life".

The New York Times

It was depriving children of the "basic necessities of life", agreed Lord Kerr.

The Guardian

Our people experienced great hardship as the most basic necessities of life became non-existent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rejecting technologies that my generation considers to be the basic necessities of life wasn't done on a thoughtless whim.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, perhaps "amenities" is too positive a word; how about severely limited in the basic necessities of life?

The New York Times

Though they usually live in poverty, government support means that they never lack for the basic necessities of life.

The Guardian - Tech

Particularly when the demands of garnering the basic necessities of life compete for attention, defaults can have a potent impact.

Harvard Business Review

Water is one of the most crucial basic necessities of life and every living creature needs it to survive.

Columbia University

What if you could pursue a strategy to create things collaboratively, outside the market, and give the basic necessities of life away for free?

The Guardian - Opinion

The constitution adopted in 1956 recognized the obligation of the state to provide education as one of the basic necessities of life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Physically fragile and mentally lost, 91-year-old Ptolemy Grey lives alone in shocking squalor, dependent on his great-grandnephew Reggie for the basic necessities of life.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about social issues, use "basic necessities of life" to emphasize the fundamental rights and needs of individuals, such as access to food, shelter and healthcare.

Common error

Avoid using "basic necessities of life" in overly formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "essential resources" or "fundamental requirements" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic necessities of life" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies essential requirements for human survival. Ludwig confirms its common and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic necessities of life" refers to the fundamental resources needed for survival, including food, shelter, clothing and healthcare. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, using this phrase effectively highlights essential human needs, particularly in discussions about poverty and human rights. Remember to consider the context and choose more precise terms like "essential resources" or "fundamental requirements" in overly formal settings. This phrase serves to emphasize fundamental rights and needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential life requirements

Focuses on the fundamental requirements needed to sustain life, emphasizing the necessity aspect.

fundamental needs for survival

Highlights the survival aspect, indicating the most basic needs for staying alive.

basic survival needs

A more concise way of expressing the minimum requirements for survival.

essential resources for living

Emphasizes the resources aspect, such as food, water and shelter, needed for maintaining life.

indispensable life support

Highlights the crucial support systems required to sustain life.

minimum living standards

Focuses on the minimal conditions necessary to achieve a basic standard of living.

fundamental human needs

Broadens the scope to include needs beyond mere survival, encompassing basic human dignity.

core requirements for existence

Emphasizes the essential requirements needed for continued existence.

basic provisions for sustenance

Focuses on the provisions needed to maintain life, such as food and water.

necessary means of subsistence

Highlights the means by which life is sustained, such as income or resources.

FAQs

What are examples of the "basic necessities of life"?

Examples of the "basic necessities of life" include food, water, shelter, clothing and healthcare. These are the fundamental resources required for human survival and well-being.

How can I use the phrase "basic necessities of life" in a sentence?

You can use "basic necessities of life" in a sentence like this: "The charity aims to provide the "essential life requirements" to families in need."

What is the difference between "basic necessities of life" and "luxuries"?

"Basic necessities of life" refer to the essential resources for survival, while "luxuries" are non-essential items that enhance comfort or pleasure but are not crucial for sustaining life.

Which is a better phrase to use, "basic necessities of life" or "fundamental needs"?

Both "basic necessities of life" and "fundamental needs" are appropriate, but the choice depends on the context. "Basic necessities of life" is more specific to survival, while "fundamental needs" can encompass broader aspects of human well-being.