is in need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is in need' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the necessity of something, or the need for something to happen or be done. For example: "The children's charity is in need of volunteers to help them run their programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, it is in need of renovation.

The New York Times

"The format is in need of evolution".

The New York Times

It is in need of restoration.

The New York Times - Travel

Yonkers is in need of leadership.

The New York Times

"The business is in need of surgery".

The New York Times

Health care is in need of change.

Journal of Professional Nursing

The NFL is in need of vision.

The Washington Post

Hence, Jared Loughner is in need of sleep".

The Guardian

"Our water plant is in need of upgrading.

The New York Times

Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes".

The Guardian

These days, however, Biscoe Point is in need of rechristening.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is in need", ensure the context clearly defines what is needed. For example, "The old bridge is in need of repair" is more informative than simply "The bridge is in need".

Common error

Avoid using "is in need" in overly complex sentences where a simpler verb like "needs" would be more effective. Clarity is key to good writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in need" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating a state of requiring or lacking something. Ludwig shows many examples of this construction used to describe deficiencies or necessities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is in need" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something requires attention, assistance, or improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate in various contexts, from news articles and scientific publications to general writing. While synonyms like "needs" or "requires" exist, "is in need" often adds a slightly more descriptive or emphatic tone. Remember to clearly define what is needed to make the phrase most effective in your writing. While typically correct, avoid using it in overly complicated constructs for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs

A more concise synonym for "is in need".

requires

Focuses on a direct necessity.

stands in need of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "is in need".

is essential

Emphasizes the crucial nature of the need.

is lacking

Highlights the absence of something necessary.

calls for

Suggests a demand or necessity for something.

is imperative

Highlights the urgency and importance of the need.

could benefit from

Suggests an improvement is possible through the addition of something.

is deficient in

Highlights a specific shortage or inadequacy.

is wanting

Indicates that something is missing or desired.

FAQs

How to use "is in need" in a sentence?

Use "is in need" to indicate that something requires or would greatly benefit from something else. For example, "The local school "is in need" of updated computers."

What can I say instead of "is in need"?

You can use alternatives like "requires", "needs", or "could benefit from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is in need" or "is in needs"?

"Is in need" is the correct phrase. "Is in needs" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "is in need" and "requires"?

"Is in need" is a slightly more descriptive phrase, whereas "requires" is a more direct and concise way of expressing necessity. They are often interchangeable.