basic necessity

USAGE SUMMARY

'basic necessity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is necessary for everyday life or basic needs, such as food, housing, clothing, or healthcare. For example, "Clean water is a basic necessity of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water is a basic necessity.

The Guardian

It is not a food, nor a basic necessity.

The New York Times - Health

The cloud computing security has become a basic necessity.

Procedia Computer Science

Water is the most basic necessity of life.

Desalination

"Students' participation in school should not be hindered by insufficient access to this basic necessity.

The Guardian

Pan and Zhang have also been condemned for making the basic necessity of shelter increasingly unaffordable.

The New Yorker

Communities need their green spaces to thrive – that is a basic necessity no one should surrender.

Independent

Energy is the basic necessity for life and a key factor to excel a country's economy.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

But it galls some Muscovites that a city of such power and money cannot provide a basic necessity year-round.

The New York Times

The paradigm people use looks at cars as a basic necessity: once you have one, you don't need another.

The New York Times

For him, image manipulation was not a supplement to political life; it was close to a basic necessity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social or economic issues, use "basic necessity" to emphasize that certain goods or services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This framing can strengthen arguments for equitable resource distribution and social justice.

Common error

Avoid labeling non-essential items as a "basic necessity". Overusing the term dilutes its impact and can undermine arguments about genuine needs like food, water, and shelter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic necessity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used to denote something indispensable for life or well-being. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from discussions of water and shelter to debates about internet access.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic necessity" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes something essential for survival or well-being. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted and appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, use "basic necessity" to emphasize the critical importance of something, and avoid overusing the term on items that are not truly essential. Consider alternatives like "essential requirement" or "fundamental need" for nuanced meaning. By understanding its proper usage and avoiding common errors, you can effectively communicate the importance of various resources and services.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential requirement

Focuses on the mandatory aspect of the need.

fundamental need

Highlights the foundational importance of the need.

indispensable item

Emphasizes that the item is crucial and cannot be done without.

vital resource

Stresses the importance of the resource for sustaining life or a process.

necessary condition

Highlights the prerequisite aspect of the necessity.

critical element

Emphasizes that the element is decisive and crucial.

life's essentials

Refers to the most important things needed for survival and well-being.

core requirement

Highlights that the requirement is central and fundamental.

primary demand

Focuses on the basic level of need or demand.

bare essential

Emphasizes the most minimal requirement for survival or function.

FAQs

How can I use "basic necessity" in a sentence?

You can use "basic necessity" to describe something essential for survival or well-being. For example, "Clean water is a "basic necessity" for human health".

What are some synonyms for "basic necessity"?

Alternatives to "basic necessity" include "essential requirement", "fundamental need", or "indispensable item". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is a "basic luxury"?

While seemingly contradictory, the term "basic luxury" can be used to describe items or services that, while not strictly essential for survival, have become widely expected and contribute significantly to quality of life in modern society. However, it is important to use this phrase carefully to avoid undermining the importance of true "basic necessities".

What's the difference between a "basic necessity" and a "want"?

A "basic necessity" is something essential for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing. A "want", on the other hand, is something that is desired but not essential for survival. Distinguishing between needs and wants is crucial in economics and personal finance.