certain needs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain needs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about needs that are specific, distinct, or particular. For example: "The school provides amenities to accommodate certain needs of its students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's a technology that society deploys to meet certain needs.

The Economist

Certain needs are themselves luxuries, or at any rate status symbols.

The New York Times - Magazine

"All we can say is we have certain needs," Mrs. Istomin said.

The New York Times

Only it can deliver legal imperatives to meet certain needs and financial imperatives to match spend to budget.

The Guardian

Instead, they are hired because they fulfill certain needs and because -- get this -- they are extremely qualified.

The New York Times

"One has certain needs at one time, another at another time and you manage to handle it as events demand".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"You realize you serve a certain need.

The New York Times - Arts

That answers to a certain need, and a certain audience.

The New York Times

The only disconcerting aspect to this acceptance is a certain need for vigilance when walking.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Guttenberg said that a Fiat-Opel combination would involve "a certain need for consolidation".

The New York Times

You see, I still think there's a certain need for each other in our band.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain needs", ensure the context clarifies whose needs are being referred to and why they are considered specific or particular.

Common error

Avoid using "certain needs" when the needs are actually universal or apply broadly. Be specific about what makes the needs 'certain' or distinct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain needs" functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "certain". It identifies specific requirements or necessities that are relevant within a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates needs that are distinct or particular.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain needs" is a versatile expression used to denote specific or particular requirements within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequency across diverse sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias, underscores its significance in both formal and informal communication. When employing "certain needs", clarity about whose needs are being referenced is paramount, ensuring the context sufficiently delineates why these needs are distinct or unique. Alternatives such as "specific requirements" or "particular necessities" can provide nuanced variations, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific requirements

Focuses on requirements that are clearly defined and particular.

particular necessities

Highlights the essential nature and distinctiveness of the needs.

defined prerequisites

Emphasizes preconditions that are explicitly stated.

distinct demands

Stresses the unique and clear-cut nature of the demands.

prescribed criteria

Refers to established benchmarks or standards.

individual demands

Underscores that the demands vary depending on the person.

unique requisites

Requisites are special since they are one-of-a-kind.

special conditions

Focuses on conditions that are not usual.

precise demands

Highlights the accuracy of the requests.

concrete expectations

Expectations are real and specific.

FAQs

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

Use "certain needs" to refer to specific or particular requirements that are not general. For example, "The program is designed to address the "certain needs" of underprivileged students".

What are some alternatives to "certain needs"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "specific requirements", "particular necessities", or "distinct demands".

Is it better to say "certain needs" or "specific needs"?

Both "certain needs" and "specific needs" are correct, but "specific needs" might be preferred when you want to emphasize clarity and precision. "Certain needs" can sometimes imply that the needs are known but not explicitly stated.

When should I use "certain needs" instead of "general needs"?

Use "certain needs" when referring to needs that apply only to a particular group, situation, or individual, as opposed to "general needs" that are common to everyone.