Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
basic need is to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "basic need is to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fundamental requirements or necessities that someone or something must fulfill. Example: "A basic need is to have access to clean water for survival."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Still, Mr. Caldecott, says, while the issuance of government bonds or multilateral institutional development debt would be helpful, the more basic need is to develop self-sustaining, liquid markets in corporate green bonds.
News & Media
"The first basic need is to balance humility and ambition".
Science & Research
As in MS detection, the basic need is to detect in the MS/MS spectra known event limited patterns against nontrivial ion backgrounds, and for this, an Lp(N) metric distance may be less effective than detection based on the Poisson methodology described above.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
My basic need was to respond to a phenomenon which, with only small exaggeration, one could say paralysed a whole generation and in a short time dried up the habits of trust and toleration in public discourse.
News & Media
My basic need was to respond to a phenomenon which, with only small exaggeration, one could say paralyzed a whole generation.
News & Media
In developing countries, the basic needs are to provide food, water, clothing, shelter and safety, and the medical care comes on top of these basic needs.
Science
For the children Annie has met, many of whom live with only their siblings and no adults, their only desire in the world, even though they lack many basic needs, was to receive an education.
News & Media
The most basic human need is to have something to strive for, to have an identity, to be heard," Whedon said.
News & Media
If our basic need is considered to be water on priority, then water as a resource must be valued as to how much of water do we really require and how much do we use.
Science
Financial strain, defined as inadequate income to cover basic needs, is related to depression in minority populations.
He concluded that leaving your children money beyond their basic needs is damaging to their future contentment.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "basic need is to", ensure that the following verb clearly defines the action or requirement necessary to fulfill that need.
Common error
Avoid pairing the phrase "basic need is to" with a vague verb. For example, instead of saying "The basic need is to improve", specify what needs to be improved: "The basic need is to improve access to clean water."
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "basic need is to" serves as an introductory phrase to highlight a fundamental requirement. It's often followed by a verb that specifies the action necessary to fulfill the need, as seen in the Ludwig examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
33%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "basic need is to" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that introduces a fundamental requirement or necessity. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is most effectively used when followed by a clear and specific action. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears across various reliable sources like news media, scientific publications, and formal documents. When writing, ensure the verb following the phrase is precise and directly relates to fulfilling the stated need. Alternatives such as "essential requirement is to" or "primary requirement is to" can be used to add nuance or formality depending on the context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Essential requirement is to
Replaces "basic need" with "essential requirement", emphasizing the indispensability of the need.
Fundamental necessity is to
Substitutes "basic need" with "fundamental necessity", highlighting the crucial nature of the need.
Primary requirement is to
Uses "primary requirement" instead of "basic need", focusing on the priority of the need.
Key prerequisite is to
Replaces "basic need" with "key prerequisite", suggesting a condition that must be met beforehand.
Core demand is to
Changes "basic need" to "core demand", stressing the urgency and importance.
Central imperative is to
Employs "central imperative" instead of "basic need", conveying a sense of obligation.
Main objective is to
Shifts the focus to the goal rather than the need itself.
First step is to
Highlights the initial action required, instead of a general need.
Initial action required is to
Similar to 'first step', but more explicitly defines the first thing that must be done.
Underlying principle is to
Focuses on the foundational concept that guides the action, rather than a direct need.
FAQs
How can I use "basic need is to" in a sentence?
The phrase "basic need is to" is used to emphasize a fundamental requirement. For example: "A "basic need is to" ensure access to education for all children."
What are some alternatives to "basic need is to"?
You can use phrases like "essential requirement is to", "fundamental necessity is to", or "primary requirement is to" as alternatives depending on the specific context.
Is it more formal to use "essential requirement is to" instead of "basic need is to"?
Yes, "essential requirement is to" generally sounds more formal than "basic need is to". Use it when a more elevated tone is required.
How does "basic need is to" differ from "goal is to"?
"Basic need is to" highlights a fundamental requirement for survival or well-being, while "goal is to" refers to a desired outcome or objective that one strives to achieve. For example, a "basic need is to have shelter", whereas a "goal is to build a sustainable community".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested