in need of help

USAGE SUMMARY

'in need of help' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone who is in a situation where they require assistance. For example, "The homeless man was in need of help so I offered him a hot meal and a place to sleep for the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are seriously in need of help".

The Guardian

Are you in need of help?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said dozens of others were in need of help.

The New York Times

She was addicted to narcotics and in need of help.

The New York Times

Only the students least in need of help show up.

The New York Times - Magazine

She takes over a magazine clearly in need of help.

The New York Times

A stranger hoves into view, in need of help.

The New Yorker

Particularly in need of help, he said, were ethnic Indians.

The New York Times

Tiffany or not, the windows are in need of help.

The New York Times

Do you have a shady area in need of help?

Cornell University

And it is not only that group that is in need of help.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone needs aid, use "in need of help" to clearly and directly convey their requirement for assistance. For example, instead of saying "they could use some help", use "they are in need of help" to emphasize the urgency or importance of the situation.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who is providing the help. Instead of saying "Help is needed", specify who is "in need of help" to provide clarity and accountability. For instance, "The refugees are in need of help from international organizations" is more specific and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in need of help" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state or condition where someone or something requires assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in need of help" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone or something requiring assistance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. While it carries a neutral to formal tone, it effectively communicates vulnerability and prompts action. Alternatives include "requiring assistance" and "seeking support", each offering a slightly different nuance. When writing, prioritize clarity by specifying who is "in need of help" rather than using passive constructions. By understanding its function and context, you can utilize "in need of help" effectively in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requiring assistance

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the necessity of assistance.

seeking support

This alternative focuses on the act of actively looking for assistance.

in a state of distress

This alternative highlights the urgency and severity of the situation.

in dire straits

This alternative suggests a severe and urgent need for help.

experiencing hardship

This alternative describes a difficult or challenging situation someone is facing.

facing adversity

This alternative stresses the presence of challenging or unfavorable conditions.

lacking resources

This alternative stresses the unavailability of necessary resources.

vulnerable and unprotected

This alternative phrase focuses more on the general condition of vulnerability.

helpless and defenseless

This alternative emphasizes a general condition of lack of help.

going through a crisis

This alternative emphasizes that someone is currently in a decisive turning point.

FAQs

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

You can use "in need of help" to describe someone or something requiring assistance. For example, "The organization assists families "in need of help" after a natural disaster".

What are some alternatives to saying "in need of help"?

Alternatives include phrases like "requiring assistance", "seeking support", or "vulnerable and unprotected", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in need of help" or "needs help"?

"In need of help" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the state of needing assistance, while "needs help" is more direct and common in everyday conversation. Both are grammatically correct, but the best choice depends on the context.

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

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Assistance" is a more formal synonym for "help", so "in need of assistance" may be preferred in professional or academic writing. Otherwise, "in need of help" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.