has been in need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been in need of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when talking about something that has been feeling a lack of something for a period of time; for example, "The school has been in need of more teachers for the past two years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"This church has been in need of a breakthrough," Tonéx said.

The New Yorker

America has been in need of a hero from the business world.

The New York Times

For years, the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park has been in need of extensive repairs.

The New York Times

United's midfield has been in need of attention for some time.

Independent

For some time now, televisual nostalgia for the Seventies and Eighties has been in need of a new direction.

The Guardian

Battling overcrowded schools and a rapidly dwindling construction budget, the New York City Board of Education has been in need of some bright ideas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"There is little information on outcomes for children who are, or have been, in need of protection," the NAO said.

The Guardian

Teachers of all times have been in need of conveying their knowledge both in theoretical and in practical ways.

Education for Chemical Engineers

Still, the Nets have been in need of a measuring stick and the Kings present a challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

Rome was a growing city and may simply have been in need of a systematic body of law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For some time now we've been in need of new campus map to help patrons find their way to our many libraries, collections, and service points.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been in need of" to emphasize a prolonged or ongoing requirement for something, especially when highlighting a deficiency or lack over a period. For example, "The city's infrastructure has been in need of repairs for years."

Common error

Avoid using "has been in need of" when a simpler verb like "needs" or "requires" would suffice. Overcomplicating straightforward statements can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. For example, instead of saying "The car has been in need of an oil change", simply state "The car needs an oil change".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been in need of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of requiring or lacking something over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a prolonged necessity. It usually connects a subject with its deficiency, as seen in examples such as "The church has been in need of a breakthrough."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been in need of" is a verbal phrase used to express that something has required or lacked a particular thing or quality for a prolonged time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and general usage. It's commonly found in news and media, and while grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously to avoid verbosity. Consider simpler alternatives like "needs" or "requires" when appropriate. The phrase is effective for emphasizing the duration of a deficiency and prompting action based on that long-term need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needed

Similar to 'required', but implies a slightly less formal tone.

required

Uses a single word to express the necessity, simplifying the phrase.

was lacking

Continues to emphasize the absence of what's required.

lacked

Focuses on the absence of something, rather than the need for it.

was short on

Indicates a deficiency in a specific resource or quality, expressed informally.

had a deficit of

Highlights a shortage or deficiency in a more quantitative way.

was deficient in

Highlights a specific area of weakness or shortfall.

cried out for

Emphasizes an urgent need or demand, often emotional or emphatic.

could have used

Suggests something would have been beneficial or helpful if it were available.

stood in want of

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing need.

FAQs

What does "has been in need of" mean?

The phrase "has been in need of" means that something has lacked a particular thing or quality for a period of time. It implies that there's an ongoing deficiency or requirement.

How can I use "has been in need of" in a sentence?

You can use "has been in need of" to indicate that a subject requires something. For example, "The organization "has been in need of financial assistance" to continue its operations."

What are some alternatives to "has been in need of"?

Some alternatives include "required", "needed", or "lacked", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has been in need of" or "needs"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Has been in need of" emphasizes a prolonged or ongoing requirement, while "needs" is more direct and general. Use "has been in need of" when you want to highlight the duration of the deficiency.