in dire

USAGE SUMMARY

"in dire" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used as a phrase to describe a very serious or dire situation. For example, "The family was in dire straits after their house was destroyed in the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's in dire straits".

The Guardian

"We're in dire straits.

The New York Times - Sports

Detroit has been in dire straits before.

The New York Times

And aviation is in dire straits.

The Economist

EUROPE is in dire economic straits.

The Economist

In '68, Detroit was in dire straits.

The New York Times - Sports

An infrastructure in dire need of investment.

Independent

And our economy is in dire straits.

Independent

The economy is in dire straights.

The Economist

But the airline remains in dire straits.

The Economist

Chinese universities were in dire condition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in dire", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is in danger or at risk. This helps to avoid ambiguity and reinforces the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "in dire" for minor inconveniences or situations that are not genuinely serious. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in dire" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase that intensifies the noun it modifies, emphasizing the severity or urgency of the situation. Ludwig examples show it describing states of need, straits, condition or trouble. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in dire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express severity and urgency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts but most prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. When writing, it is important to reserve "in dire" for genuinely critical situations to maintain its impact and credibility. Alternatives such as "in extreme need" or "in desperate circumstances" can offer similar emphasis depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in extreme need

Emphasizes the intensity of the need, focusing on the extremity of the situation.

in serious trouble

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation, focusing on the trouble involved.

in desperate circumstances

Indicates the urgency and lack of options, emphasizing the desperation of the situation.

in a critical state

Focuses on the precariousness and potential for negative outcomes.

facing a crisis

Highlights the presence of a significant challenge or turning point.

in urgent need

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the need.

severely challenged

Emphasizes the difficulties and obstacles being faced.

gravely imperiled

Highlights the risk of danger and potential harm.

at a breaking point

Implies the situation is nearing a critical threshold or collapse.

under severe strain

Highlights the stress and pressure being experienced.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in dire" in a sentence?

Use "in dire" to describe situations of extreme urgency or danger. For example, "The hospital was "in dire need" of medical supplies" or "The refugees were "in dire straits" after losing their homes".

What phrases can I use instead of "in dire"?

Alternatives include "in extreme need", "in serious trouble", or "in desperate circumstances" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in dire need" or "in dire want"?

"In dire need" is the more common and accepted phrase. While "in dire want" is grammatically correct, it is less frequently used and might sound archaic to some.

What's the difference between saying something is "in dire straits" versus "in a difficult situation"?

"In dire straits" implies a much more severe and precarious situation than simply being "in a difficult situation". It suggests a crisis or a state of extreme hardship.