best in need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best in need" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe someone or something that is the most suitable or effective in a situation of need, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "In times of crisis, the organization proved to be the best in need, providing support to those affected."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

From this point of view, talk of synonymy and of ideas in the mind is simply a theoretical gloss which is (at best) in need of justification.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

BEST FOR Travelers in need of a personal concierge.

The New York Times - Travel

The two have not seen eye to eye over how to best help people in need.

The New York Times

Harriet was unstintingly generous and always there, and at her best for those in need.

The New York Times

"These scenarios offer a chance for leaders to replace indiscriminate detention and rights' abuses with approaches that distinguish between users and traffickers, and offer the community-based health services that work best for those in need".

The Guardian

That is, it is at best an idealization in need of refinement.

SEP

I am thankful that our country recognizes this and unites to give our best to those in need when times are at their worst.

Huffington Post

These people are typically the first line of contact for people with serious mental disorders, and they're all struggling to figure out how to best serve those in need.

HuffPost

As these organizations strive to produce high-quality code at scale, they will need best-in-class tools and platforms.

TechCrunch

The spokesman added: "Sport Relief will mean that Comic Relief can do more of what we do best - help people in need to build better lives in a sustainable way".

The Guardian

To offset the creepiness of having Facebook's camera and microphone in your house, its new Portal video chat gadget needs best-in-class software.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "best in need", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'best' refers to: is it the most effective, most readily available, or most compassionate approach?

Common error

Avoid using "best in need" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more conventional phrases like "most effective" or "most suitable" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best in need" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'best' modifies an implied noun referring to a resource, person, or method. It is used to denote the most suitable or effective option available when a need arises, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "best in need" is used to describe something or someone that is most suitable or effective in a situation of need. While grammatically acceptable, it is not a commonly used phrase. Ludwig's analysis suggests that it appears in news, science, and wiki contexts but is less frequent in formal writing. Consider using more conventional alternatives such as "most effective" or "most suitable" for greater clarity, as the Ludwig AI explains in the response. The term's overall effectiveness depends heavily on the context and the specific criteria defining 'best'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most suitable for the occasion

Emphasizes appropriateness and fitness for a specific situation.

ideal for those requiring assistance

Focuses on the suitability of something for people needing help.

most effective when help is required

Highlights the effectiveness of something in a helping context.

optimal for addressing specific needs

Stresses the optimization aspect in meeting particular requirements.

perfect for those lacking resources

Focuses on resources and a state of deficiency.

most appropriate for urgent situations

Highlights urgency and suitability.

best solution for people affected

Changes the focus to solutions for affected individuals.

finest aid for vulnerable individuals

Highlights the quality of aid for vulnerable populations.

top-tier assistance for disadvantaged people

Emphasizes high-quality assistance for the disadvantaged.

foremost in attending to requirements

Highlights prominence in taking care of requirements

FAQs

What does "best in need" mean?

"Best in need" refers to something or someone considered the most suitable, effective, or helpful in a situation where there is a specific requirement or necessity.

How can I use "best in need" in a sentence?

You might say, "This organization proved to be the "best in need", providing crucial support to those affected by the disaster."

What are some alternatives to "best in need"?

Some alternatives include "most effective", "most helpful", "most suitable", or "most appropriate" depending on the specific context.

Is "best in need" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically sound, "best in need" is not a very common phrase. More conventional alternatives are often preferred for clarity and wider understanding.