greatest necessity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatest necessity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize something that is of utmost importance or urgency. Example: "In times of crisis, access to clean water becomes our greatest necessity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I am in the greatest necessity, not having tasted food since Yesterday morning," Poe wrote.

The New Yorker

Other Liverpool players may have secured more trophies than Gerrard but his greatness was often forged out of adversity, produced at the moments of greatest necessity.

BBC

"That we wish this so to be observed, appears from the fact that of our own free will, before the outbreak of the present dispute between us and our barons, we granted and confirmed by charter the freedom of the Church's elections - a right reckoned to be of the greatest necessity and importance to it - and caused this to be confirmed by Pope Innocent III.

BBC

Explaining his choice, Gandhi said, "Next to air and water, salt is perhaps the greatest necessity of life".

Wikipedia

The recognition of active components from A. mexicana is therefore of the greatest necessity.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"One of the greatest necessities in America is to discover creative solitude".

Huffington Post

Aho Williamson, however, does not see any great necessity for dramatic change.

The Guardian - Tech

The NUJ's general secretary, Michelle Stanistreet, says: "We have campaigned for a levy for some time and think it to be of ever greater necessity".

The Guardian

On the Republican side, super PAC spending has been a far greater necessity because of the Romney campaign's cash shortages over the summer.

The New York Times

At present I don't feel that great necessity to write a novel: I could write short stories for the rest of my life.

The New Yorker

Many of the most exciting models are coming from emerging economies where, because money is tight and need is great, necessity is the mother of invention.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greatest necessity" to emphasize urgency or criticality. For instance, "In a crisis, providing shelter is the greatest necessity."

Common error

While "greatest necessity" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound dramatic. Consider using alternatives like "most important requirement" or "top priority" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest necessity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something that is of utmost importance or absolutely essential. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through examples where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting its crucial role.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greatest necessity" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies something of utmost importance. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for emphasizing urgency and criticality, often appearing in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, understanding its communicative purpose and stylistic register allows for effective use in appropriate scenarios. When a less formal tone is required, alternative expressions like "top priority" or "most crucial requirement" may be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost importance

Focuses on the level of importance rather than the need itself.

top priority

Emphasizes the ranking of importance.

most crucial requirement

Highlights the critical nature of the requirement.

prime need

Stresses the fundamental nature of the need.

indispensable condition

Emphasizes the essential and unavoidable nature.

highest imperative

Conveys a sense of urgency and obligation.

vital necessity

Highlights the life-sustaining character of the need.

paramount concern

Focuses on the overriding nature of the concern.

pressing need

Emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of the requirement.

essential prerequisite

Highlights its role as something required before something else can happen.

FAQs

How can I use "greatest necessity" in a sentence?

You can use "greatest necessity" to emphasize something that is absolutely essential or urgent. For example, "In times of crisis, access to clean water becomes the "greatest necessity"."

What can I say instead of "greatest necessity"?

Alternatives include "utmost importance", "top priority", or "most crucial requirement", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "greatest necessity"?

It's appropriate when highlighting something of utmost importance, particularly in critical situations or when emphasizing priorities. For instance, "Providing aid to refugees is the "greatest necessity"."

Is "greatest necessity" formal or informal?

The phrase "greatest necessity" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for professional, academic, or serious contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms might be preferred.