hard need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hard need' is not correct in written English.
Instead, you can use the phrase 'urgent need.' Here is an example: We have an urgent need for more volunteers to help with the event this weekend.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ennis recognized in him a not uncommon type with the hard need to be the stud duck in the pond.

The New Yorker

It's too early to tell whether the new program will increase the number of foster parents or boost the level of care, but I fear the financial incentive will draw families driven less by good intentions than by hard need.

The New York Times - Magazine

At Women's Wellness Weekends (www.womenswellnessweekends.com), we build time into the schedule for silliness and relaxation, and we encourage creativity because we understand that people who work hard need to play frivolously even as adults.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

On one of our visits, quite a few ingredients proved tough and hard, needing more time on the stove.

The New York Times

And die-hards needn't worry; someone is bound to show up with a traditional pumpkin pie anyway.

The New York Times - Food

The association also said Harding needed more after-school programs; several extracurricular clubs have been added, including a physical fitness club.

The New York Times

AT this point, some hard decisions need to be made.

The New York Times

Hard questions need to be asked of Turkey.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There are guys with 7, 10 years of working hard that need a shot".

The New York Times - Sports

If it's hard, I need to let it be hard".

The New York Times - Sports

Your goals will also influence how hard you need to push yourself on each run.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of "hard need", consider using more common and grammatically accepted alternatives like "urgent need" or "pressing requirement" to convey your intended meaning more clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "hard need" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more precise and conventional phrases to ensure clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard need" functions as a noun phrase where "hard" modifies "need". It is used to emphasize the intensity or severity of a requirement. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's not considered standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard need" is used to emphasize the intensity of a requirement, but is not considered standard English. According to Ludwig AI, it's better to use more common alternatives such as "urgent need" or "pressing requirement". Although examples can be found in news and media, it's best to avoid using "hard need" in formal contexts to maintain clarity and professionalism. When a stronger expression is needed, opt for well-established alternatives that convey urgency and importance more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent need

Emphasizes the time-sensitive and critical nature of the need.

pressing requirement

Highlights the demanding and immediate aspect of the requirement.

dire necessity

Indicates a critical and compelling reason for the need.

critical demand

Focuses on the essential and vital nature of the demand.

vital requirement

Stresses the indispensable and crucial aspect of the requirement.

acute demand

Highlights the severity and intensity of the demand.

imperative necessity

Emphasizes the mandatory and crucial nature of the necessity.

compelling need

Focuses on the persuasive and undeniable aspect of the need.

exigent requirement

Highlights the urgency and demanding nature of the requirement.

stringent demand

Highlights the strict and rigorous nature of the demand.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "hard need"?

You can use alternatives like "urgent need", "pressing requirement", or "critical demand" depending on the context.

Is "hard need" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "hard need" is sometimes used, it's not considered standard English. It's better to use more common and grammatically accepted alternatives.

How to use "urgent need" in a sentence?

You can use "urgent need" in a sentence like: "There is an urgent need for more volunteers to help with the event this weekend."

What's the difference between "hard need" and "urgent need"?

"Urgent need" is a more standard and widely accepted way to express a critical or time-sensitive requirement, whereas "hard need" is less common and may sound awkward or unnatural to some speakers.