in dire need of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in dire need of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the urgency of a need or situation. For example: "The school is in dire need of additional funding to upgrade its facilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An infrastructure in dire need of investment.

Independent

It is in dire need of reform.

The Economist

Other historic stations are in dire need of help.

Cornell University

Patients living with autoimmunity are in dire need of help.

The New Yorker

It is a serious matter in dire need of addressing.

Independent

She returned in dire need of physical therapy.

The New Yorker

Not all callers are in dire need of help.

The New York Times

Greece is in dire need of external funds.

The New York Times

The bureau then was in dire need of modernizing.

The New York Times

This team is in dire need of a coaching change.

The Guardian - Sport

Our hero Pierre is in dire need of spiritual sustenance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen the impact of the phrase "in dire need of", use specific and concrete examples to illustrate the need, avoiding vagueness and generalizations.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "in dire need of" can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "desperately needs" or "urgently requires" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in dire need of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of urgent requirement or deficiency. It emphasizes the critical nature of the need. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in dire need of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a sense of urgent necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its usage across various domains like news, academia, and science. While effective, it's advisable to use the phrase thoughtfully and consider synonyms like "desperate need of" or "urgently requires" to avoid overuse. To maximize its impact, ensure the context clearly illustrates what is lacking and why it is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in desperate need of

Emphasizes the urgency and desperation associated with the need, similar to "in dire need of" but potentially more intense.

in critical need of

Highlights the criticality of the need, suggesting that failure to address it could have severe consequences.

urgently requires

A more direct and formal way to express the urgency of the need.

in pressing need of

Emphasizes the immediacy and importance of the need.

is crying out for

A more emphatic and figurative expression of urgent need.

badly needs

A simpler and more direct way to express a strong need.

gravely requires

Implies a severe or serious state requiring immediate action.

in acute need of

Focuses on the sharpness and intensity of the need.

is facing a critical shortage of

Highlights the lack of something essential and the potential consequences.

is severely lacking in

Emphasizes the deficiency and the negative impact it has.

FAQs

What does "in dire need of" mean?

The phrase "in dire need of" means that someone or something has a very urgent and serious requirement for something, often implying that there will be negative consequences if the need is not met.

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

You can use "in dire need of" to emphasize a critical requirement. For example, "The hospital is "in dire need of" more nurses" shows the urgency of the hospital's staffing situation.

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

Alternatives include "desperate need of", "critical need of", or "urgently requires", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in dire need of"?

Yes, "in dire need of" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in standard English. Ludwig AI also confirms its correct usage.