in significant need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in significant need of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that requires considerable assistance, improvement, or resources. Example: "The community is in significant need of support following the recent natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In the past few decades, they have both been in significant need of repair and renovation.

The New Yorker

The critically ill are in significant need of sleep but at increased risk of sleep loss and disruption.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Some observers suggested that Enron's investors were in significant need of reassurance, not only because the company's business was difficult to understand (even "indecipherable") but also because it was difficult to properly describe the company in financial statements.

Wikipedia

The two-tier system of "National Treasures" and "Important Cultural Properties" was supplemented in 1996 with a new level of Registered Cultural Property for items in significant need of preservation and use.

Wikipedia

"The government has clearly demonstrated that they're not going to do anything to fix, if not a broken (healthcare) system, one that's in significant need of repair," said Jim King, a spokesman for Scotts Miracle-Gro, which has 5,300 employees.

Los Angeles Times

In addition, physicians and medical directors report that their emergency medical system is in significant need of improved education and training programs.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In addition, the significant need of miniaturization of electronic devices leads to more extensive usage of PZT FRAMs based on the low-dimensional nanostructures [17].

Nanoscale Research Letters

"If we want to bring in significant numbers of children, then you need a similar team focused on that task, which we don't have," says Simmonds.

The Guardian

These projects offer health professionals a chance to explore "making a difference" in settings of significant need.

BMC Medical Education

For those people and organizations working in countries in need of significant conflict prevention, mediation, reconstruction and reconciliation, these unhealed memories can present a grave challenge.

The New York Times

Finding, development, and acquisition, often termed FD&A, also makes up a significant portion of costs, and this area in particular is in need of significant investment if drilling natural gas is to be an attractive potential investment.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in significant need of", ensure that the subject requiring assistance is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project is in significant need of help", specify "The project is in significant need of funding and skilled personnel".

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "in significant need of" can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "requiring substantial assistance" or "critically lacking in" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in significant need of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of deficiency or requirement. It describes the condition of something requiring considerable assistance, resources, or improvement. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in significant need of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote a considerable deficiency or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to highlight the necessity of assistance or improvement. While most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, it's applicable across various registers from neutral to formal. To enhance writing, consider synonyms like "requiring substantial assistance" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Be mindful of the subject needing assistance, making it clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requiring substantial assistance

Highlights the necessity of external support, replacing 'need' with 'requiring' and 'significant' with 'substantial'.

critically lacking in

Emphasizes a severe deficiency, replacing 'need' with 'lacking' and focusing on the urgency of the situation.

facing considerable deficits in

Focuses on the shortcomings or insufficiencies present, using 'deficits' instead of 'need'.

urgently requiring

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the need, replacing 'significant need' with 'urgently requiring'.

severely deficient in

Emphasizes the intensity of the lack or shortage, using 'deficient' instead of 'need'.

badly wanting

Indicates a strong desire or necessity, framing the need as a desire.

gravely requiring

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the need, using 'gravely' to amplify the urgency.

experiencing a major shortfall of

Focuses on the quantitative aspect of the need, using 'shortfall' to indicate a deficit.

undergoing critical hardship regarding

Highlights the difficult conditions caused by the need, emphasizing the hardship experienced.

demonstrating profound deficiencies concerning

Focuses on the evident lack or inadequacy, using 'deficiencies' to describe the shortfall.

FAQs

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

Use "in significant need of" to describe something that requires substantial assistance or resources, such as "The old building is in significant need of repair" or "The community is in significant need of support after the disaster".

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

You can use alternatives such as "requiring substantial assistance", "critically lacking in", or "urgently requiring" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are acceptable, but "in significant need of" suggests a substantial requirement, while "in great need of" implies a more urgent or dire situation. Choose the phrase that best reflects the severity of the need.

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

While both are grammatically correct and have similar meaning, "in significant need of repair" places emphasis on the degree of need, while "in need of significant repair" slightly emphasizes the repair itself. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.