in critical need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in critical need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something requires urgent assistance or resources. Example: "The community is in critical need of medical supplies following the natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both centers were in critical need of O negative.

The New York Times

6.3 million people are now in critical need of food.

Independent

NBC, though, is in critical need of a standout this season.

The New York Times

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, there are 37 countries in critical need of food assistance.

The New York Times

Maureen Jennings has always had a keen eye for marginalized members of society in critical need of a champion.

The New York Times - Books

He noted that Mr. Reilly has proven that he knows how to decrease jailhouse violence and overtime costs, two areas in critical need of attention in Nassau County.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Old warnings about Honolulu's sewer system have surfaced, like a consultant's report in 2004 that said the corroded main in Waikiki was in "extremely critical" need of repairs and a backup system, which was never built.

The New York Times

Hence, the analysis of handoff performance in WMNs is in a critical need for network researchers and engineers.

Computer Networks

Albert Rodrigues, Georgetown's pre-eminent architect, told me there are 15 public buildings in Georgetown, including St . Georges, that are in "profoundly critical" need of restoration.

The New York Times - Travel

In addition, the very limited resources available for such work results in a critical need for approaches that can help identify where these resources can be put to best use.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

This results in a critical need to investigate how major liver cell types function cohesively during hepatotoxicity.

Toxicology in Vitro

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in critical need", ensure that the specific need is clearly defined to emphasize the urgency and importance of addressing it. For example, specify the resource or action required to improve clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "in critical need" when a simpler expression of need would suffice. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact when genuinely critical situations arise. Consider whether "needs", "requires", or other less intense phrases are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in critical need" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize the urgency and importance of a particular requirement. This phrase highlights that immediate action is necessary. Ludwig AI affirms this pattern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in critical need" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something or someone requires immediate and urgent assistance. Ludwig AI validates this finding, with numerous examples showcasing its widespread use across various authoritative sources, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While effective for highlighting urgency, avoid overuse in situations where simpler language suffices. Remember to clearly specify the need to maximize impact. Alternatives like ""is in dire need of"" or ""desperately needs"" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in dire need of

Uses "dire" to highlight the severity and critical nature of the need.

desperately needs

Emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the need.

is in pressing need of

Emphasizes the immediacy of the need.

urgently requires

Focuses on the action of requiring something immediately, rather than the state of need.

is urgently required

Shifts the focus to the requirement itself and its urgency.

vitally requires

Highlights the importance of requirements for survival or success.

gravely requires

Uses "gravely" to underline the serious nature of the requirement.

is paramount

Indicates the supreme importance and necessity.

is vitally important

Highlights the importance of addressing the need for survival or success.

is essential

Directly states the necessity of something.

FAQs

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

Use "in critical need" to highlight an urgent requirement for assistance or resources. For example: "The hospital is in critical need of blood donations" or "The refugees are in critical need of shelter and food."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in critical need"?

Alternatives include "is in dire need of", "desperately needs", or "urgently requires", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "in critical need" instead of "needs"?

"In critical need" should be used when the situation is urgent and the need is paramount to survival or stability. "Needs" is suitable for less pressing or severe requirements.

Is "in critical need of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "in critical need of" is grammatically correct. The "of" specifies what is required. For example: "The organization is in critical need of funding".