desperate need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperate need of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong requirement or urgency for something. Example: "The community is in desperate need of clean drinking water after the recent disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was in desperate need of programming.

The New Yorker

They are in desperate need of relief.

The New Yorker

People are in desperate need of food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Also that they are in desperate need of supplies.

The New Yorker

AMERICA is in desperate need of tax reform.

The Economist

And they are in desperate need of goals.

The New York Times

They were in desperate need of a break.

The New York Times - Magazine

"China has a desperate need of the past.

The New York Times

I'm in desperate need of a Halloween costume.

The New Yorker

This is a man in desperate need of attention.

The New York Times

And Syrians are in desperate need of governance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desperate need of", ensure that the context clearly conveys the urgency and criticality of the situation. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or trivial matters to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate need of" when a simpler phrase like "need" or "require" would suffice. Overusing it dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate need of" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the intensity and urgency of the need. It is commonly used to highlight situations where a critical requirement must be met immediately. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperate need of" is a frequently used phrase that signals a critical and pressing requirement. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and effectively conveys urgency across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase emphasizes the dire consequences of unmet needs, prompting action. Alternatives such as "urgent requirement for" or "critical demand for" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. To maintain impact, it's best to reserve the expression for genuinely critical situations, avoiding overuse in less significant contexts. The widespread usage and consistent application across reputable sources underscore its effectiveness in highlighting urgent necessities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent requirement for

Focuses on the immediate and pressing nature of the requirement, emphasizing speed of action.

critical demand for

Highlights the importance and necessity of the demand, suggesting that failure to meet it could have severe consequences.

pressing necessity for

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the need, indicating that it cannot be ignored or postponed.

dire necessity of

Indicates a severe and critical need, often suggesting that the situation is extremely serious or dangerous.

acute shortage of

Specifically points to a lack of something essential, highlighting the deficiency and its potential impact.

critical lack of

Focuses on the deficiency and its potential impact. It's more suitable for factual scenarios.

great demand for

Focuses on high demand, making it applicable in scenarios where popularity or consumption drives the need.

crying need for

Emphasizes the obvious and public nature of the need, suggesting it is widely recognized and acknowledged.

severe want of

Highlights a significant lack or deficiency, often implying deprivation or hardship.

extreme exigency for

Highlights the urgency and demanding nature of the situation requiring immediate action. Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "desperate need of" in a sentence?

Use "desperate need of" to emphasize a critical requirement or urgent situation. For example: "The refugees are in "desperate need of" food and water."

What are some alternatives to "desperate need of"?

Alternatives include "urgent requirement for", "critical demand for", or "pressing necessity for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "in desperate need of" or "in urgent need of"?

While both phrases express urgency, "desperate need of" suggests a more critical and dire situation compared to "urgent need of". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intensity of the need.

What distinguishes "desperate need of" from "strong need of"?

"Desperate need of" indicates a situation where failing to meet the need has severe or life-threatening consequences. "Strong need of" implies a significant requirement, but without the same sense of immediate crisis. Therefore, "desperate need of" is significantly stronger.