in dramatic need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in dramatic need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person that requires urgent attention or assistance, often in a theatrical or exaggerated context. Example: "The protagonist found herself in dramatic need of a hero to save her from the impending disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The more we learn, the clearer it is that our surveillance laws and oversight rules are in dramatic need of reform, like the USA Freedom Act, that provide both transparency and real protections for privacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The more we learn the clearer it is that our surveillance laws and oversight rules are in dramatic need of reform". The release comes at the beginning of an important week in Washington for the NSA's bulk phone records collection.

The Guardian

Ms. Gist, who supported Dr. Gallo's initial plan, said in an interview that the process had never been about "poking a stick in anyone's eye or showing what kind of authority we have," but trying to change the culture of a school in dramatic need of improvement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When New York City famously banned vehicles from portions of Times Square in 2009, the dramatic need for increased pedestrian space and a reconfigured roadway was crystal clear.

Los Angeles Times

"The superhero origin formula has become a costume in itself to fit the dramatic needs of its characters".

The New York Times

In my work as the European Union's commissioner for humanitarian aid I am determined to ensure that, in spite of all the dramatic needs from conflicts seen nightly on television, we continue to spend 15% of our annual budget on "forgotten crises" – those that fail to draw the attention of the global community.

The Guardian

Clearly, something dramatic needs to be done.

Huffington Post

The H1N1 virus highlights in dramatic form the need for workplace flexibility in America.

Huffington Post

Here's the message: It's pro-choice policies that result in dramatic declines in the need for abortion.

Huffington Post

Time, resilience, support and changing circumstances often result in dramatic improvement, without the need for diagnosis or treatment.

Huffington Post

It robs both dancers and audience of the psychological build-up needed in dramatic narrative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in dramatic need" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and heightened importance. It is suitable when the situation not only requires attention but also has a theatrical or visibly significant element to it.

Common error

Avoid using "in dramatic need" for minor issues. Overusing dramatic language can diminish its impact when describing truly critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in dramatic need" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It highlights the intensity and urgency of the requirement, suggesting something is lacking to a considerable degree. As Ludwig points out, this emphasizes the scale and visibility of the need.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in dramatic need" is a valid and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as an adjective phrase to emphasize the urgency and severity of a situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usefulness in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in scientific and formal business settings. While alternatives like "in urgent need" or "in desperate need" may be appropriate depending on the specific context, "in dramatic need" specifically conveys a sense of heightened importance and visible impact. Ludwig AI helps to identify suitable contexts and provides examples of usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in urgent need

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the requirement; less focused on the scale of impact.

in desperate need

Highlights the severity of the situation and the intensity of the requirement.

critically in need

Emphasizes the high risk and potential negative outcome if the need is not met.

badly in need

Indicates a significant deficiency or lack that requires immediate attention.

sorely in need

Stresses the painful or undesirable consequences of not meeting the requirement.

acutely in need

Highlights the sudden and intense onset of the need.

in dire need

Stresses the critical and life-threatening nature of the situation.

gravely in need

Highlights the serious and potentially irreversible consequences of not meeting the requirement.

urgently requires

Expresses the necessity of immediate action, shifting the focus to the action required.

is crying out for

Metaphorically suggests a loud, insistent demand for something lacking.

FAQs

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

You can use "in dramatic need" to describe a situation requiring urgent and significant action. For example: "The surveillance laws are "in dramatic need" of reform."

What is a good alternative for "in dramatic need"?

Alternatives include "in urgent need", "in desperate need", or "badly in need". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in dramatic need" or "in desperate need"?

"In dramatic need" emphasizes a theatrical or highly visible urgency, while "in desperate need" highlights a dire situation. Choose based on whether the situation's visual or emotional impact is more important than just its severity.

When is it appropriate to use "in dramatic need"?

Use "in dramatic need" when a situation not only requires attention but also involves elements of spectacle or heightened emotion. This can create a more impactful message, but it shouldn't be used for trivial matters.