it has need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has need" is correct but somewhat archaic and less commonly used in modern written English.
You can use it in formal or literary contexts where you want to convey a sense of necessity or requirement. Example: "In this situation, it has need of careful consideration before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"As the United States has used its military more to reinforce foreign policy, it has need to win hearts and minds, and humanitarian assistance is one way to do it," said Sandra Mitchell, vice president of International Rescue Committee.

The New York Times

"It has need to be nearer, for the night's as cold as charity.

The Guardian

His novels were equated with Mrs Humphry Ward's Robert Elsmere, a similarly scandalous tale of religious doubt among the clergy published 40 years earlier: H.D.A. Major, editor of the Modern Churchman magazine, made this comparison with respect to Keable's Peradventure, noting "It is slighter, but it has need to be.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Over the past two years, as the country has developed its oil infrastructure, it has needed to fill pipelines, storage tanks and the like, but these were one-off purchases.

The Economist

And like all bureaucracies, Russia's bureaucracy has come to keel for its chief when it has needed to.

Forbes

It has needed two.

The Economist

Certainly, it has needed some tidying up.

The Guardian

It has needed far more staff than expected.

The Guardian

And in the United States, so far, it has needed parties.

The New Yorker

And the movement has needed both: it has needed a radical voice like Larry Kramer, as well as lawyers and judges….

The New Yorker

Over here, it has needed no write-ups to sell tickets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "it has need"; it is more appropriate for formal or literary writing. In most contemporary contexts, "it needs" or "it requires" sound more natural.

Common error

Avoid using "it has need" in casual conversation or informal writing. While grammatically correct, its archaic tone can sound stilted or pretentious in modern contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has need" functions as a statement of requirement or necessity. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, but its usage is considered archaic, making it less common in contemporary writing. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts where a formal or literary tone is intended.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has need" is a grammatically sound but archaic expression signifying a requirement or necessity. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, modern English generally favors simpler alternatives like "it needs" or "it requires". Its usage is more appropriate in formal or literary contexts. Given its infrequent usage and potential for sounding stilted, writers should carefully consider the context and audience before employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires

Emphasizes necessity; a more direct and modern substitute.

it necessitates

Highlights an unavoidable need or condition.

it demands

Implies a strong requirement or expectation.

it calls for

Suggests a specific action or quality is needed.

it stands in need of

More formal and emphatic way of expressing a need.

it is wanting in

Highlights a deficiency or lack that needs addressing.

it finds itself in need of

Expresses the emergence of a necessity due to circumstances.

it is exigent

Elevated style to express critical or urgent need.

it is requisite

Underlines the compulsory nature of something.

it is imperative

Marks extreme importance in what must be done or furnished.

FAQs

What does "it has need" mean?

The phrase "it has need" means that something requires or is in need of something else. It's an older, more formal way of saying "it needs" or "it requires".

How can I use "it has need" in a sentence?

You can use "it has need" in formal or literary writing where you want to emphasize a requirement. For example: "This project "it has need of" careful planning." However, in most modern contexts, using "it needs" is preferable.

What are some modern alternatives to "it has need"?

More common alternatives to "it has need" include phrases like "it needs", "it requires", or "it demands". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "it has need" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it has need" is grammatically correct, but it is considered archaic. While understandable, modern usage favors simpler alternatives like "it needs".