found the need to

USAGE SUMMARY

"found the need to" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate that something was determined to be necessary in order to accomplish a goal. For example: After conducting a detailed analysis of his finances, Joe found the need to start budgeting more carefully.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 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

A-Rod should just go quietly into the sunset and reflect on why, having been paid such an enormous amount of money, he found the need to cheat.

The New York Times - Sports

Hospital administrators teamed up with the Financial Services Coordinating Council -- a pressure group put together by bankers, insurance agents and stockbrokers -- all of whom found the need to get consumer consent "cumbersome".

The New York Times

He has toured, to acclaim, though critics have occasionally found the need to contrast the singing with the quality of speech between numbers, and is eager to tour again, and often.

The Guardian - Music

As for whether there would be any value in devoting part of the CarsDirect site itself to gay and lesbian consumers, the company "hasn't found the need to segment the site for different audiences," Mr. Hoover said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 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

"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

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

The New York Times

I find the need to play a part like Father Flynn inescapable, and I only want to do things I'm that passionate about.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "found the need to", ensure the context clearly establishes who made the determination and what criteria they used. This adds credibility to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "found the need to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "needed to" or "had to" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found the need to" functions as a verb phrase that introduces an action deemed necessary. Ludwig shows that it indicates a realization or discovery that a particular action is required to address a specific situation or achieve a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found the need to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, utilized to denote the recognition of a necessity prompting a specific action. Predominantly observed in News & Media and Science contexts, it conveys a neutral to professional tone, signifying a strategic response or reasoned justification. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies who determined the need and the basis for that determination. While effective in formal settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversation. In essence, "found the need to" serves as a valuable tool for articulating a moment of realization that drives subsequent action, making it a versatile addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discovered the necessity for

Emphasizes the act of uncovering a pre-existing need, suggesting a more investigative approach.

recognized the requirement for

Highlights an official or mandatory need, often in a formal setting.

determined it necessary to

Focuses on the decision-making process that led to the realization of the need.

deemed it essential to

Stresses the importance and indispensability of the action.

realized the urgency of

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the need, implying that immediate action is required.

ascertained the importance of

Emphasizes the process of confirming the significance of something.

saw fit to

Implies a discretionary decision made based on one's judgment or perspective.

felt compelled to

Highlights a sense of obligation or inner drive leading to the action.

identified the demand for

Focuses on an external pressure or expectation that creates the need.

acknowledged the importance to

Highlights the recognition of something's value and its impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "found the need to" to indicate that someone realized something was necessary. For example, "After the company's losses, the CEO "found the need to" restructure the departments".

What are some alternatives to "found the need to"?

Some alternatives include "needed to", "had to", "recognized the need for", or "realized the importance of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "find the need to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "find the need to" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to express the realization or discovery of a necessity.

What's the difference between "found the need to" and "needed to"?

"Found the need to" implies a realization or discovery of a necessity, while "needed to" simply states the necessity without explicitly mentioning the realization. Using "found the need to" adds a layer of understanding about the reasoning behind the action.