in need

USAGE SUMMARY

"in need" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when something or someone requires assistance or aid. For example, "The community is in need of volunteers to help with cleanup after the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're not in need".

The New York Times - Arts

Those in need?

The New York Times

In need of stimulation?

The New Yorker

Innocent and in need.

The Guardian

"We're in need, you know?

The New York Times

In need of comfort?

The Guardian - Travel

In need of protection.

The New York Times - Books

Communities in Need OCT.

The New York Times

"They're in need.

The Guardian

"They're all in need".

The New York Times - Arts

He was forever in need of funds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in need", clearly specify what the subject requires to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They are in need", specify "They are in need of food and shelter."

Common error

Avoid using "in need" when a simple verb "need" suffices. "In need" is best used to describe a general state of requiring something, not as a verb expressing a specific action. For example, prefer "I need help" over "I am in need help".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in need" functions primarily as a modifier, describing a noun or pronoun as being in a state where help or resources are required. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to describe a condition of lacking necessities. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in need" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of requiring assistance or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and general discourse. When using "in need", it's best to specify the exact requirement to avoid ambiguity and misuse. While alternatives like "requiring assistance" or "lacking resources" exist, "in need" remains a versatile and frequently employed phrase to convey a state of deficiency or requirement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requiring assistance

Emphasizes the necessity of aid or support.

lacking resources

Focuses on the absence of necessary materials or support.

short of

Implies a deficiency or lack of something specific.

in want of

A more formal way to express a lack or need.

in a state of deprivation

Highlights the lack of essential needs.

deficient in

Highlights a specific deficiency or lack.

experiencing scarcity

Focuses on the limited availability of something.

necessitous

A formal term for being in a state of need or poverty.

underprivileged

Describes a state of lacking basic advantages.

destitute

Indicates extreme poverty and lack of resources.

FAQs

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

Use "in need" to describe a state of requiring assistance or resources. For example, "The organization helps families "in need" of food and clothing".

What are some alternatives to saying "in need"?

You can use alternatives like "requiring assistance", "lacking resources", or "in want of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in need of" or just "need"?

"In need of" is typically used to describe someone's general condition or situation, while "need" is used as a verb to express a requirement. For instance, "The refugees are "in need of" shelter" versus "They need shelter".

What's the difference between "in need" and "needy"?

"In need" describes a temporary state of requiring something, while "needy" describes someone who is habitually or excessively dependent on others. For example, someone might be ""in need"" after a disaster, but someone who constantly demands attention could be described as "needy".