firm requirement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm requirement" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is mandatory or non-negotiable. Example: A college degree is a firm requirement for this job position.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Faced with the prospect of having to put up more money in his brokerage accounts to meet margin calls -- a brokerage firm requirement when the value of stocks falls too far -- Mr. Talsky sold shares into the market downturn.

The New York Times

Mr. Gates said that the new ballistic missile submarine, the long-range aerial strike systems, an advanced combat vehicle for the Army and a presidential helicopter could cost more than $200 billion over the next decades, and the new approaches will be incorporated "right at the beginning as a firm requirement for each new program".

The New York Times

Mr. Stournaras did not say outright that the buyback was a firm requirement for the release of 34.4 billion euros, or $44.5 billion, in bailout money next month, though the International Monetary Fund, one of Greece's troika of creditors, signaled as much this week.

The New York Times

Now its is finally getting tough on spam, making the 10-second rule a firm requirement for news and video apps.

TechCrunch

It's easy to forget (and many kids probably ignore it entirely), but Facebook maintains a firm requirement that everyone on the site be thirteen years of age or older.

TechCrunch

Several best practice sites viewed their EHR vendor as an active "partner" in the EHR implementation process, but this was not articulated as a firm requirement.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These strategies appeared to pay off: The commission's recently released framework for regulating fracking includes recommendations for governments but not firm requirements.

The Guardian

After deciding they wanted to stay in the city, the Ulicnys had only two firm requirements: that the apartment be within easy commuting distance of their sons' school on the Upper West Side and that it be in a doorman building.

The New York Times

But rather than firm requirements for privacy controls it has merely encouraged best practices that developers "should" follow.

TechCrunch

As a way of allowing for examples of this type, Wilks offered a processing paradigm in which selectional constraints (such as a physical-object constraint on the subject of drop) are treated as mere preferences rather than firm requirements.

SEP

According to McCullick, a lack of firm requirements reduces the likelihood that schools will adhere to the guidelines.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firm requirement", ensure the context clearly indicates what happens if the requirement is not met. This adds clarity and underscores the importance of the requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "firm requirement" for minor or easily waivable conditions. This can dilute the phrase's impact and credibility when applied to truly critical requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm requirement" functions as a noun phrase, where "firm" modifies the noun "requirement". It specifies the strength and unyielding nature of the requirement, indicating it is not flexible or optional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm requirement" denotes a mandatory condition or stipulation, signaling that adherence is non-negotiable. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media, and scientific publications. When employing "firm requirement", ensure clarity regarding the repercussions of non-compliance and avoid its usage for trivial matters to preserve its impact. Alternatives such as "non-negotiable condition" or "essential prerequisite" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-negotiable condition

Stresses that the requirement is unalterable.

mandatory provision

Focuses on the official or legal nature of the requirement.

strict necessity

Emphasizes the stringency and lack of flexibility.

rigid stipulation

Underscores the inflexibility of the requirement.

essential prerequisite

Highlights that something must precede another thing.

unavoidable need

Highlights the necessity and lack of alternatives.

indispensable element

Highlights the crucial importance of the requirement.

compulsory specification

Emphasizes the binding nature and detailed nature of the requirement.

hard condition

Emphasizes the difficulty of the requirement.

set rule

Highlights the established and unchangeable nature of the requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "firm requirement" in a sentence?

Use "firm requirement" to indicate something that is absolutely necessary or mandatory. For example, "Submitting the application by the deadline is a "firm requirement" for consideration."

What are some alternatives to saying "firm requirement"?

You can use alternatives such as "non-negotiable condition", "strict necessity", or "essential prerequisite" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "firm requirements" instead of "firm requirement"?

Yes, "firm requirements" is the plural form and is appropriate when referring to multiple mandatory conditions. For example, "The project has several "firm requirements" that must be met."

What's the difference between "firm requirement" and "strong suggestion"?

"Firm requirement" indicates something is mandatory, while "strong suggestion" implies something is highly recommended but not compulsory. Failing to meet a firm requirement typically has consequences, whereas ignoring a strong suggestion does not.