is in need of help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in need of help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something requires assistance or aid. For example: "The family, who lost their home in the storm, is in need of help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Tony Rosario, the Bronx postmaster, agrees the growing community is in need of help.

The New York Times

Whoever did this is in need of help and should turn themselves in".

The New York Times

She is in need of help but has the conviction that someone will come and find her.

The Guardian

When they arrive, doctors agree the patient is in need of help but wait for a social worker to assess whether he should be sectioned.

The Guardian

At the same time, it is a global commons that is in need of help through new partnerships that the Indonesians can use to steward their resources.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

With $130 million-worth of needed renovations looming, the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington was in need of help.

The New York Times

He said dozens of others were in need of help.

The New York Times

The helper was in need of help; in fact, he was a patient.

The New York Times

He'd found her over a year earlier, in January 2012, when he was in need of help.

The Guardian

After a vehicular mishap in Savannah, Mike and his crew are in need of help.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is in need of help", clearly specify who or what requires assistance to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the project is in need of help", specify "the project team is in need of help".

Common error

While "is in need of help" is acceptable, consider using more direct and concise alternatives like "requires assistance" or "needs support" in formal writing to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in need of help" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's condition of requiring assistance. It specifies that someone or something needs support or aid. Ludwig confirms the usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is in need of help" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that someone or something requires assistance. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase finds its place in various contexts, primarily within news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific and formal business communications. While acceptable in most situations, it's advisable to consider more direct alternatives like "requires assistance" or "needs support", especially in formal writing to maintain clarity. Always clarify the subject when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Remember that according to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs support

A more concise and common way of saying someone requires help.

requires assistance

Replaces "is in need of help" with a more direct and slightly more formal expression.

is in dire straits

Expresses a severe and urgent need for help, highlighting the severity of the situation.

is struggling

Implies difficulty and a requirement for help, focusing on the process rather than the need itself.

is facing difficulties

Focuses on the challenges being experienced, implying the need for support to overcome them.

is helpless

Emphasizes an inability to act independently, strongly suggesting the need for assistance.

is vulnerable

Highlights a state of weakness that necessitates protection or assistance.

is lacking

Similar to 'is deficient', but slightly less formal.

is deficient

Indicates a lack or shortage, implying that something is missing and help is required to fill the gap.

could use some help

A more casual and understated way of indicating a need for assistance.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "requires assistance", "needs support", or "is struggling" depending on the context.

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

You can use "is in need of help" to indicate that someone or something requires assistance. For example, "The refugee family is in need of help" or "The old building is in need of help."

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

Both phrases are correct, but "needs help" is more concise and commonly used. "Is in need of help" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the necessity of assistance.

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

"Requires help" is more direct and formal, while "is in need of help" emphasizes the state of needing assistance. "Requires help" is often preferred in professional settings.