in real need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in real need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is genuinely in a situation requiring assistance or support. Example: "The charity focuses on helping families who are in real need of food and shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"People are in real need.

The New York Times

The population is in real need for a change".

The New York Times

My tree is in real need of attention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This means they profit out of stopping payments made to people in real need.

Independent

As the financial crisis showed, there are plenty of areas in real need of regulation.

The New Yorker

If in real need, he switches on a neon tube, which uses all of 25 watts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The MP for Camborne and Redruth, George Eustice, said there was help for those "who are in real genuine need".

BBC

"I know there are pressures on household bills, but we do have a benefits system that is there to help people who are in real genuine need".

BBC

Mapping arsenic in groundwater a real need, but a hard problem.

Nature

Still in very real need.

Los Angeles Times

Therefore, it is unclear whether there was gender difference in the real need for the CRPs.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in real need", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the specific type of assistance required. For example, "The community is in real need of medical supplies" is more informative than "The community is in real need".

Common error

Avoid using "in real need" as a general intensifier without specifying the actual needs. This weakens your writing. Instead of saying, "The project is in real need of attention", specify what kind of attention it requires, like "The project is in real need of funding and skilled volunteers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in real need" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of requiring genuine assistance or support. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in real need" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of genuine requirement or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, it serves to emphasize the authenticity and urgency of a particular need. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it is important to specify the nature of the need to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "in genuine need" and "in dire need" can be used to add nuance. Ensuring clarity and specificity enhances the effectiveness of this versatile phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in genuine need

Replaces "real" with "genuine", emphasizing the authenticity of the need.

in true need

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the need.

in actual need

Replaces "real" with "actual" to emphasize the factual nature of the need.

in dire need

Uses "dire" to highlight the urgency and severity of the need.

in desperate need

Emphasizes the desperation associated with the need.

in serious need

Indicates a severe and pressing requirement.

in urgent need

Stresses the time-sensitive nature of the need.

in critical need

Highlights the importance and seriousness of the need.

in substantial need

Indicates that the need is significant and considerable.

in grave need

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential danger associated with the need.

FAQs

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

Use "in real need" to describe someone or something that genuinely requires assistance or support. For example, "The homeless shelter is always helping people "in real need" of food and shelter".

What are some alternatives to saying "in real need"?

You can use phrases like "in genuine need", "in dire need", or "in desperate need" depending on the context and the urgency you want to convey.

Which is correct, "in real need" or "in really need"?

"In real need" is the correct and more common phrase. "Really" is an adverb and doesn't fit grammatically in this context. Therefore, always use ""in real need"".

Is "in real need" formal or informal?

"In real need" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. However, for very formal writing, consider using synonyms such as "in substantial need" or "in grave need" to elevate the tone.