in a desperate need

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a desperate need" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to emphasize a need or desire for something that is extreme or urgent. For example, "He was in a desperate need for a job to support his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If you ever start feeling like this it means that you really are in a desperate need of change.

Stanford University

We are in a desperate need for the formation of a coalition that would bring together journalists, media institutions, human rights organisations and internet activists in order to break the wall of silence that certain governments and centres of influence are endeavouring to impose on the sources of information.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Shatner's case, the inheritance of terror shows up in a hyperkineticism that still has him, about to turn 85, touring the world with his one-man show and tweeting several times a day in a desperate need to keep making his mark.

The Guardian - Books

Sony is in a desperate need of finding its soul again.

TechCrunch

The current MacBook Pro is in a desperate need of a weight loss regimen.

TechCrunch

The soldier's narration is just ambiguous enough to suggest that his belief in mutual love may have been delusional, originating in a desperate need for companionship, assuming the story's first narrator did not invent the entire episode.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Which means the Braves are headed home in a 2-0 hole in desperate need of a solution.

Los Angeles Times

They may know someone, or have a friend of a friend in desperate need of a girlfriend.

WikiHow

In 2007, the Browns drafted Brady Quinn in the first round to save a franchise in desperate need of a quarterback.

The New York Times

People in a desperate situation need help.

The New Yorker

Dario Gradi's side are a team in desperate need of a year or two of regeneration in League One.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "need" with a specific noun to clarify the object of the need, such as "The team is in a desperate need of a new strategy".

Common error

Avoid using "in a desperate need" in casual conversation or informal writing. More relaxed phrases are often better suited. For example, instead of "I'm in a desperate need of coffee", consider "I really need coffee" or "I could use some coffee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a desperate need" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, emphasizing the critical state or requirement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and conveys a strong sense of urgency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a desperate need" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to emphasize extreme urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, signaling critical situations or requirements. While effective, it's crucial to consider the tone and avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler language might suffice. Alternatives like "in dire need" or "urgently requires" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dire need

Changes "desperate" to "dire", intensifying the sense of urgency and critical necessity.

in urgent need

Swaps "desperate" with "urgent" creating slightly different nuance in tone.

critically requires

Similar to "urgently requires" but emphasizes the critical nature of the need.

has an extreme need

Directly states an extreme need using "extreme" for emphasis.

urgently requires

Replaces the entire phrase with a verb-focused expression, highlighting the immediate need.

gravely requires

Uses "gravely" to underline the seriousness of the requirement.

faces a critical need

Shifts the focus to facing a critical need, emphasizing the challenge.

is in exigency of

Employs "exigency" for a more formal tone, indicating an urgent state.

is crying out for

Figurative expression suggesting an overwhelming and publicly visible need.

is badly lacking

Indicates a significant deficiency or absence of something necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "in a desperate need" in a sentence?

You can use "in a desperate need" to emphasize the urgency or criticality of a requirement. For example: "The organization is "in a desperate need" of volunteers."

What are some alternatives to "in a desperate need"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in dire need", "urgently requires", or "critically requires" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "in a desperate need" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in a desperate need" might sometimes sound slightly dramatic. Consider alternatives like "urgently requires" or "critically requires" for a more subdued tone.

How does "in a desperate need" differ from "in urgent need"?

While similar, ""in a desperate need"" emphasizes a sense of hopelessness or extreme circumstances, whereas "in urgent need" focuses more on the immediate requirement for action.