find the need to

USAGE SUMMARY

'find the need to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of discovering a feeling of necessity for something. For example, "I find the need to exercise every day to stay healthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I don't find the need to understand my work fully, or even to explain it," he said.

The New York Times

As the due date approaches, some couples find the need to get away together while they still can.

The New York Times

"The fear I have is that future governments will find the need to recreate Fujimori's control mechanisms".

The New York Times

What is it about the British that we find the need to trash what is genuinely world class?

The Guardian - Opinion

And the most puzzling question of all is why it would find the need to write a book to tell us of its hegemony.

The New York Times - Books

There are certainly excellent parents who may find the need to hire someone like Mr. Mohit, as one parent claims in a Dec. 10 letter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He said he often let the protesters express themselves — but sometimes found the need to crack down.

The New York Times

When the president's speech was moved to Thursday, the White House found the need to address the massive shadow of King Football.

The New York Times - Sports

The pair bootstrapped their business and haven't found the need to seek funding.

TechCrunch

"Victim[s] of corporate downsizings have found the need to repackage themselves," says spokesman Manny Rivera.

Forbes

The 1/4 horsepower motor offers two juicing speeds, though I never found the need to use the fastest setting.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find the need to", ensure that the context clearly establishes who is experiencing the need and why it exists. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

While acceptable, "find the need to" can sometimes sound less direct in very formal writing. Consider more assertive alternatives like "must", "should", or "is required" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find the need to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the discovery or recognition of a necessity. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically correct expression that highlights a perceived requirement for a particular action or state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "find the need to" is a versatile phrase used to express the recognition of a necessity or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for many situations, writers should consider the tone of their writing and opt for more direct alternatives like "must" or "is required" in highly formal settings. Understanding these nuances helps writers effectively convey the intended meaning and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discover the necessity to

Changes the verb from "find" to "discover", emphasizing the act of realizing the necessity.

perceive the need to

Replaces "find" with "perceive", focusing on awareness and understanding of the need.

recognize the necessity to

Emphasizes the acknowledgment of a required action or state.

feel compelled to

Indicates a sense of being forced or obligated to do something.

deem it necessary to

Expresses a formal judgment or evaluation that something is required.

consider it essential to

Highlights the importance and indispensability of an action or item.

see fit to

Indicates a decision or choice based on what seems appropriate or suitable.

have reason to

Suggests a justification or basis for taking a particular action.

be obliged to

Focuses on the duty or requirement to perform a certain action.

be required to

States a formal or imposed requirement to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "find the need to" in a sentence?

You can use "find the need to" to express the discovery of a necessity or requirement. For example, "Many students "find the need to" study regularly to succeed in their exams."

What phrases are similar to "find the need to"?

Alternatives include "discover the necessity to", "perceive the need to", or "recognize the necessity to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "find the need to" or "feel the need to"?

Both phrases are correct, but "feel the need to" often implies a stronger, more emotional sense of obligation, whereas "find the need to" suggests a more reasoned assessment of necessity.

Can "find the need to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, but in some formal contexts, more direct phrases like "must" or "is required" may be more appropriate. Consider the overall tone and audience of your writing.