in the need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the need of" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to indicate that someone or something needs something, for example: The local library is in the need of more volunteers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're more in the need of the industry," Mr. Tidwell said.

The New York Times

It seems to be run down and in the need of repairs".

The New York Times

"A market with excess capacity is always in the need of a market cleanup," he said.

The New York Times

This results in the need of huge computational power for the processing.

Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics

A belief in the need of special protection by saints is the basis of the system of patron saints.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This market also had its origins in the need of the institutions to find ways of executing large transactions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes when I'm in the need of a good righteous blast of annoyance I tune in to Pardon The Interruption, ESPN's noisy and predictably forceful opinion show.

The Guardian - Sport

And if you kept them open during a gospel anthem like Standing in the Need of a Blessing, you could see her filled with the holy ghost.

The Guardian - Arts

So, with Houston identified as a mainstreamer, Davis found himself in the need of a certified popmeister to whip up some ballads.

The Guardian - Music

Schroepfer told MPs that Facebook believed "deeply in the need of journalists to be free to investigate all of these matters".

The Guardian

What makes for strong emotional attachments is as much in the need of the subject as in the qualities of the object.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the need of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is required or lacking. For instance, "The project is in the need of additional funding" clearly specifies the requirement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "in the need of" can sound slightly verbose. Consider using simpler alternatives like "needing" or "requiring", especially in formal contexts, for a more concise and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the need of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the modified element has a requirement or deficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the need of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a requirement or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "needing" or "requiring" may be preferred in more formal contexts for conciseness. It's found across various domains, including Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business writing. Remember to ensure clarity and avoid overuse for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needing

A more direct verb form emphasizing the state of lacking something and requiring it.

requiring

Focuses on the act of needing something, omitting the prepositional phrase structure.

necessitating

A more formal verb indicating that something makes something else necessary.

standing in need of

Emphasizes the current state or condition of needing something.

in want of

A more formal or archaic alternative, emphasizing a lack or deficiency.

lacking

Highlights the absence of something necessary.

requiring the need for

More emphatic way of saying "requiring", highlighting that something is required and needed.

calling for

Emphasizes the action of requiring or requesting something.

in demand of

Highlights the necessity of something due to request.

dependent on

Highlights reliance on something for support or fulfillment.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the need of" to indicate that something or someone requires something. For example, "The old house is in the need of repairs" or "The organization is in the need of more volunteers".

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

You can use alternatives such as "needing", "requiring", or "lacking" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in need of" is generally more common and concise. "In the need of" can sometimes add emphasis, but overuse can make your writing sound verbose.

When is it appropriate to use "in the need of" instead of just "needing"?

You might use "in the need of" when you want to emphasize the state of requiring something, or when you want to create a more formal or deliberate tone. However, "needing" is often a more direct and efficient choice.