definite need

USAGE SUMMARY

'definite need' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express certainty that something is required. Example: We have a definite need for more volunteers to help out at the food bank.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a definite need.

The Guardian

"There's a definite need for it," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"There was a definite need for this," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Also there's a definite need for more intervention research.

Children and Youth Services Review

I realized that there is a definite need for dogs who are trained to help patients".

The New York Times

Not everyone can be a homeowner, and private landlords fulfil a definite need.

The Guardian

"I see a definite need for such a document," he said.

The New York Times

"It has a finite amount of funds and a definite need for capability".

The New York Times

A definite need exists for well-designed prospective studies to determine the optimal management of rhabdomyolysis.

Chest

They are providing a definite need to an area that doesn't have much".

The New York Times

"There's a definite need and want to address what's happening in society in Ireland at the moment".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definite need" to clearly and directly express that something is essential and required. This phrase adds emphasis and certainty to your statement.

Common error

While "definite need" is appropriate for formal writing, overuse in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly assertive. Consider using alternatives like "really need" or "absolutely need" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite need" functions as a noun phrase, where "definite" modifies the noun "need". It is used to emphasize the certainty and importance of a requirement or necessity, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definite need" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the certainty and importance of a requirement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English and is effective in expressing that something is required. As shown in the examples from Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news, science, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While useful, avoid overusing it in informal settings, opting for more relaxed alternatives. Semantically related phrases include "real need", "substantial need", and "undeniable need", providing options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real need

Replaces "definite" with "real", emphasizing the authenticity and importance of the need.

substantial need

Substitutes "definite" with "substantial", highlighting the significant size or importance of the need.

undeniable need

Replaces "definite" with "undeniable", stressing the obvious and unquestionable nature of the necessity.

unequivocal need

Similar to "undeniable need", but with a stronger emphasis on the clarity and lack of ambiguity.

evident need

Emphasizes that the need is easily seen or understood, making it apparent.

clear need

Highlights the clarity and unambiguous nature of the need.

straightforward need

This alternative suggests that the need is simple and easy to address.

categorical need

Implies the need is absolute and without exception.

tangible need

Highlights that the need is concrete and can be easily identified.

pressing need

Emphasizes the urgency and critical nature of the need.

FAQs

How to use "definite need" in a sentence?

You can use "definite need" to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "There is a "definite need" for skilled workers in this sector."

What can I say instead of "definite need"?

You can use alternatives like "real need", "substantial need", or "undeniable need" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "definite need"?

"Definite need" is appropriate in formal contexts, reports, and discussions where you want to emphasize the critical importance of something. It's suitable when you want to leave no doubt about the necessity of a requirement.

Is "definite need" the same as "urgent need"?

While both phrases convey importance, "definite need" highlights the certainty and essential nature of something, whereas "urgent need" emphasizes the time-sensitive and pressing nature of the requirement. They are similar, but not perfectly interchangeable.