basic needs

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic needs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the essential things needed to survive such as food, shelter, water, and clothing. For example, "Many people living in poverty struggle to meet their basic needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase "basic needs" is frequently used in contexts relating to survival.

It appears in discussions about poverty and resource allocation.

The phrase is also found in discussions about societal and individual well-being.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They had more basic needs.

The Guardian - Opinion

It met all the basic needs.

The New York Times

"Jobs, housing — these are basic needs".

The New York Times

They want their basic needs met.

The Guardian

"They couldn't meet their basic needs.

The Guardian

basic needs of consumers — speed, convenience.

The Guardian

What people want is their basic needs.

The Guardian

Basic needs are not met," says Gionakis.

The Guardian

They're scrambling to meet their basic needs".

The New York Times

"We talk about food and housing — basic needs.

The New York Times

Why are this young girl's basic needs so resolutely ignored?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal issues, use "basic needs" to underscore the fundamental requirements for human survival and well-being, such as in discussions about poverty, inequality, or disaster relief.

Common error

Avoid using "basic needs" in contexts where more nuanced language is required. For instance, in a discussion of personal development, consider using terms like "personal values" or "core motivations" rather than simply stating "basic needs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic needs" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the fundamental requirements for human survival and well-being. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples where the phrase serves as the object of a sentence or prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic needs" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to the fundamental requirements for human survival and well-being, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across a variety of contexts, from news reports and scientific studies to business documents. While generally neutral in register, its usage becomes more formal in academic or scientific contexts. When writing, it is important to use "basic needs" when discussing issues of poverty, disaster relief, and human rights, where the emphasis is on the essentials for life. Alternative phrases like "essential requirements" and "fundamental necessities" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, but "basic needs" remains a clear and widely understood term for discussing fundamental human requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential requirements

Focuses on the indispensable aspect of what is required.

fundamental necessities

Highlights the foundational and necessary nature of the needs.

basic necessities of life

Specifically includes the necessities for sustaining life.

primary demands

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the needs.

vital provisions

Stresses the life-sustaining aspect of what is provided.

core requirements

Focuses on the central and indispensable aspects of the needs.

life's essentials

Highlights needs that are crucial for life.

essential commodities

Refers to goods necessary for daily living.

required resources

Emphasizes the resources needed to fulfill fundamental needs.

minimal provisions

Emphasizes the bare minimum required.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic needs" to refer to the fundamental requirements for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing. For example, "The aid organization focused on providing "basic needs" to the refugees".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "basic needs"?

Some alternatives to "basic needs" include "essential requirements", "fundamental necessities", and "vital provisions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "basic needs" and "wants"?

"Basic needs" are essential for survival, like food and shelter, while "wants" are desires that are not necessary for survival, such as luxury items or entertainment.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "basic needs"?

The term "basic needs" is most appropriate in discussions about poverty, disaster relief, social welfare, and human rights, where the focus is on ensuring that individuals have access to the essentials for survival and well-being.