in case of needs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in case of needs" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "in case of need" or "in case of necessity." Example: "Please keep this emergency kit handy in case of need during the storm."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In normal conditions, stimulation of the mucosal immune system by gut microbiota determines a state of "low-grade physiological inflammation" [ 13], a status of continues activation of the mucosal immune system in response to commensals, and, in case of needs, also towards pathogens.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With specific reference to the themes addressed in this publication, the interview guide explored how women and guérisseurs construct and define what constitutes a lactating problem and what prevention and treatment options they resort to in case of need.

BMC Public Health

In case of need, there can be full cover.

The Guardian

The one thing that the pope, and the Vatican as a whole, can do is to appoint and, in case of need, sack bishops.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their hope is that they can win the bulk of a fund's assets, with another bank or two acting as back-up brokers in case of need.

The Economist

In case of need the country could first draw on its accumulated forced savings, provided it complies with a program set up and supervised by the Eurogroup.

The Economist

The king and Guizot expected no serious trouble: the weather was bad, and a large army garrison was available in case of need.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The original object of Mensa was to create a list of the names and addresses of 600 of the most intelligent people in Britain so that they could be contacted by scholars and governmental officials in case of need.

The New York Times

It is the personal award of the sovereign, takes precedence over all other orders & decorations, & its holders of noncommissioned rank draw a pension of 10 pounds a year, which, in case of need, may be increased to 75 pounds.

The New Yorker

"These measures privilege private sector solutions but also include a solid framework for the provision of government support in case of need, in line with state aid rules," the statement said.

The New York Times

Its objectives were to promote union and national honour, maintain their war-born friendship, perpetuate the rights for which they had fought, and aid members and their families in case of need.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the singular form "need" instead of "needs" after "in case of". The correct phrase is "in case of need".

Common error

Avoid using the plural form "needs" after "in case of". The phrase "in case of need" is an idiomatic expression and always requires the singular noun.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case of needs" functions as a prepositional phrase, but is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "in case of need", which introduces a conditional clause specifying a situation where something might be required. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is not standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "in case of needs" might seem intuitive, it is grammatically incorrect. The proper and widely accepted form is "in case of need". As Ludwig AI clearly indicates, using "in case of need" prepares for a potential future requirement or contingency. It's versatile across various registers, although slightly more formal. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, remember to always use the singular form. Consider using alternatives like "if necessary" or "in the event of need" depending on your specific context to add nuance and precision. Always opt for "need" instead of "needs" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event of need

This alternative provides a more formal and emphatic tone, highlighting a specific potential circumstance.

should the need arise

This is a more conditional and slightly more formal way of expressing the same idea.

if the necessity occurs

This option is more formal and emphasizes the potential for a crucial requirement to emerge.

in a situation of need

This alternative emphasizes the context as a situation rather than a general possibility.

if a need emerges

This version highlights the appearance or development of a requirement.

when a need arises

This is a time-based alternative, suggesting that the action will occur at the moment the need becomes apparent.

on the off chance it's needed

This phrase uses a more casual tone emphasizing a low probability.

if there's a requirement

This is a straightforward and direct alternative, suitable for general use.

should it be required

This option is a more formal and passive construction.

if it becomes necessary

This alternative specifies that a situation might transition into being essential.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "in case of needs"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "in case of need". The noun "need" should be in the singular form in this expression.

What's the difference between "in case of need" and "in case of necessity"?

While both phrases are similar, "in case of need" is more commonly used in general contexts. "In case of necessity" is more formal and emphasizes a critical or urgent requirement.

How can I use "in case of need" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate preparation for a potential future requirement. For example, "Keep this first-aid kit handy in case of need during the hike."

What are some alternatives to "in case of need"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "if necessary", "should the need arise", or "in the event of need".