in dramatic need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in dramatic need of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong or urgent requirement for something, often in a context that emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. Example: "The community is in dramatic need of support following the recent natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

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

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

The New York Times

Harry Jackson is by no means alone in identifying this as the turning point for a newspaper in need of dramatic change – in his oral history he claims that Gibbings 'frankly did save the paper'.

The Guardian

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

That has left many nations in desperate need of dramatic currency depreciation.

The Washington Post

According to a review of tax documents from 2007 through 2011, Peterson has personally contributed at least $458 million to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation to cast Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and government spending as in a state of crisis, in desperate need of dramatic cuts.

Huffington Post

"The truth is, Idaho has some of the lowest property taxes in the country and our system is really pretty balanced and not in need of dramatic change," said Steve Ahrens, president of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, which lobbies on behalf of the state's businesses.

The New York Times

"If a company is in need of dramatic transformation, you are more likely to be looking at a broader spectrum of people," says John Purcell at the London recruitment firm Purcell and Company.

BBC

Peterson is a billionaire private equity mogul who has personally contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, a group which has set out to brand Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid as areas in need of dramatic cuts, according to a Huffington Post report.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in dramatic need of", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is lacking and why it is critically important. Be specific to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your message.

Common error

Avoid using "in dramatic need of" in casual or trivial situations. Its intensity can sound hyperbolic or insincere if applied to minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the need is truly critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in dramatic need of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, adjective, or verb by expressing a strong and urgent requirement or deficiency. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in highlighting critical situations needing immediate attention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in dramatic need of" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize a critical deficiency or urgent requirement. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and best used to highlight severe situations. While versatile across news, science, and formal contexts, its intensity means overuse should be avoided. Alternatives like ""in dire need of"" or ""in desperate need of"" can offer nuanced variations. This phrase is most effective in contexts where the consequences of neglect are significant, urging action with its strong emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dire need of

Emphasizes a critical or urgent state of needing something.

in desperate need of

Highlights the desperation or urgency of the need.

in urgent need of

Focuses on the immediacy and pressing nature of the requirement.

gravely requiring

Stresses the seriousness and importance of the need.

critically requiring

Emphasizes that the need is vital and essential.

urgently requiring

Focuses on the pressing nature of the requirement.

severely lacking

Highlights the deficiency or absence of something important.

acutely deficient in

Emphasizes a significant and critical shortage.

badly wanting

Expresses a strong and pressing desire or necessity.

sorely missing

Highlights the painful or regrettable absence of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "in dramatic need of" to emphasize a significant lack or deficiency, as in "The healthcare system is "in dramatic need of" reform" or "The region is "in dramatic need of" humanitarian aid".

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

Alternatives include "in dire need of", "in desperate need of", or "in urgent need of", each conveying a similar sense of urgency and importance.

Is it appropriate to use "in dramatic need of" in formal writing?

Yes, "in dramatic need of" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to highlight a critical requirement. However, ensure the tone matches the overall formality of the piece.

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

"In need of" simply indicates a requirement, while ""in dramatic need of"" emphasizes a more urgent or critical deficiency. The addition of "dramatic" amplifies the severity of the situation.