in great need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in great need of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is required urgently. For example: "The charity organization is in great need of volunteers to help with their programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smaller districts are in great need of more state aid.

The New York Times

We are in great need of ambulance drivers.

The New York Times

"We are at a time in great need of vigilance," he added.

The New York Times

But Yemen is a very poor country in great need of outside money.

The Economist

"New York is a great city with a lot of people in great need of help".

The New York Times

"My sense is the world is in great need of those skills".

The New York Times

"Sudan is in great need of help in many areas," he says.

The Guardian

The Greek coastguard is in great need of help in the Aegean, he says.

The Guardian

Only minor politicians need broadcasting – but, luckily, broadcasting seems to feel in great need of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is born into this world, fragile and in great need of parental care and attention.

The Guardian

This is unfortunate because the Egyptian judiciary, like all state institutions, is in great need of overhauling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in great need of" to emphasize the urgency or severity of a requirement. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "in great need of" is a valid phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "urgently requires" or "critically requires" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in great need of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something or someone urgently requires something else, emphasizing the severity or intensity of the need. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in great need of" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of requirement or urgency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications, it effectively highlights situations where assistance or resources are critically required. While it's a useful phrase, remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "urgently requires" or "critically requires" to maintain variety in your writing. Ultimately, mastering its usage will enhance your ability to articulate urgent needs clearly and persuasively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critically requires

Indicates a need that is essential for survival or proper functioning.

urgently requires

Highlights the time-sensitive aspect of the need.

has a pressing need for

Highlights the importance and urgency of the need.

stands in need of

A more formal way of saying that something is required or necessary.

in dire straits

Emphasizes a severe and urgent need, often related to hardship or danger.

is crying out for

Suggests a desperate and vocal need.

badly needs

A more informal way to express a strong need.

is deficient in

Highlights a specific shortage or inadequacy.

is lacking

Focuses on the absence of something necessary.

is wanting in

Implies a deficiency or lack, often in a specific quality or aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "in great need of" to describe something or someone that urgently requires assistance or resources. For example, "The refugee camp is "in great need of" medical supplies."

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

Some alternatives include "urgently requires", "critically requires", or "badly needs". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it more appropriate to say "in great need of" or "in dire need of"?

"In dire need of" emphasizes a more desperate or critical situation compared to "in great need of". Use "in dire need of" when the situation is particularly urgent or severe.

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

"In need of" simply indicates a requirement, while "in great need of" emphasizes the intensity and urgency of that requirement. "In great need of" suggests a higher level of necessity.