come to need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come to need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a gradual realization or development of a necessity for something over time. Example: "Over the years, I have come to need more support from my colleagues to manage my workload effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

And how was it that I'd come to need them more than they would ever need me?

The New York Times - Magazine

Like all parts of the body, the eye changes with age — that's why you've come to need reading glasses.

Harvard University

Even rural Africa may come to need grid connections if Africa is to realise its full potential in agriculture and reduce pressures on land.

The Guardian

We have a potentially terrible power over the people who love us — simply because of what they have come to need from us that we can withhold — and that problem seems even stickier and more upsetting with children.

The New Yorker

Pelican This heavy-gauge instrumental band lurches toward a dark but majestic sound on "What We All Come to Need," its fourth album, and its first for the art-metal label Southern Lord.

The New York Times - Arts

Consequently we, like many other local authorities, have been working for many years to persuade those tenants who want to move and are "under-occupying" (occupying a home larger than they have come to need) to consider downsizing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Eventually, the system came to need comprehensive programs for men.

The New York Times - Magazine

He came to need the thing he hated most, and that created a prison of a different kind.

The Guardian

Organizational, sociological and biological factors may contribute to sex differences when it comes to need for, use of and outcome after critical care.

Critical Care

ODYSSEUS: Yes; for I too shall come to that need.

The New Yorker

In time, a bigger space came to be needed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to need" to describe a gradual shift in requirements or dependencies. It's effective when illustrating a change over time, such as "As I aged, I came to need reading glasses."

Common error

While "come to need" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. More direct alternatives like "require" or "necessitate" often provide clarity and conciseness in professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to need" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual development or realization of a necessity. It shows a change in state where something becomes required over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come to need" is a versatile verb phrase that effectively describes the gradual development of a necessity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While generally suitable for various writing styles, it's important to consider the formality of the context and opt for more direct alternatives like "require" or "necessitate" in professional or academic settings. Understanding the semantic nuances of "come to need" and its related phrases allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow to require

Emphasizes a gradual increase in necessity, focusing on the requirement itself.

develop a need for

Highlights the emergence of a need, suggesting a new requirement.

begin to require

Indicates the starting point of a need, suggesting an initial stage.

find necessary

Focuses on the discovery of necessity, rather than the gradual development.

become reliant on

Highlights dependence, shifting the focus from need to reliance.

depend on

A more direct expression of reliance, without the gradual development aspect.

be reduced to

Suggests a state where the need has become an obligation due to degradation or external circumstance.

be forced to

Indicates compulsion, implying a lack of choice in the matter.

be obliged to

Highlights a sense of obligation or duty, making the need a requirement.

have cause to

Suggests a reason or justification for needing something, framing it as a consequence.

FAQs

What does "come to need" mean?

The phrase "come to need" signifies a gradual realization or development of a requirement or necessity for something. It implies a change over time where something that wasn't initially essential becomes crucial.

How can I use "come to need" in a sentence?

You can use "come to need" to describe a change in your requirements or dependencies. For example, "Over time, I've "grown to require" more assistance with daily tasks".

What are some alternatives to "come to need"?

Alternatives include "begin to require", "find necessary", or "develop a need for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "come to need" formal or informal?

"Come to need" sits in a neutral register, suitable for both general writing and news articles. For more formal writing, alternatives like "be obliged to" or "be forced to" might be more appropriate.