major need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or pressing requirement for something. Example: "There is a major need for improved infrastructure in the city to support its growing population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"People told me, 'The models show this major need for negative emissions,' " he recalled.

The New Yorker

A major need of the empire was an up-to-date code of laws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -- While filling a major need at receiver with Terrell Owens, they still need more than one.

The New York Times - Sports

HOUSTON TEXANS -- Their major need is in the secondary, so safety Sean Taylor will probably be on their draft board.

The New York Times - Sports

Another major need is to develop global institutions that will control the behavior of both the privileged and the poor nation-states.

The New York Times

The Tigers addressed a major need two weeks ago by acquiring the All-Star shortstop Édgar Rentería from Atlanta for two prospects.

The New York Times

"There's been a major need to be in control of our own destiny, and not define our recovery in terms of what others were doing to help us.

The New York Times

In Werner Herzog's version, Kinski is bald, with pointy ears, a major need for undereye concealer and really, really bad teeth.

The New York Times

With the departure of tight end Kevin Boss to the Oakland Raiders, Smith's return would fill a major need in the passing game.

The New York Times - Sports

With the growing population and new medical advances, there has been a major need for more physicians for a long time.

The New York Times

He might very well have been the Panthers' best player available, so it's a bonus that he plays a position of major need.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major need", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the urgency or importance you intend. Alternatives like "critical necessity" or "significant requirement" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "major need" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "pressing demand", "significant requirement", or "critical necessity" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major need" functions as a noun phrase, where "major" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "need". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, functioning to identify something that is required or lacking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "major need" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight a significant requirement or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. Its function is to emphasize importance and urgency, making it suitable for neutral to professional registers. When using "major need", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended message and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms. Understanding its nuances allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical necessity

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the need.

significant requirement

Highlights the substantial nature of the requirement.

pressing demand

Focuses on the urgency and immediacy of the need.

substantial deficit

Emphasizes the lack or shortage that needs to be addressed.

paramount concern

Highlights the importance and priority of the need as a concern.

key imperative

Stresses the essential and unavoidable nature of the need.

vital prerequisite

Indicates the need is a crucial condition that must be met.

urgent obligation

Highlights the compulsory nature of addressing the need.

acute exigency

Emphasizes the pressing and critical nature of the situation that creates the need.

dire necessity

Stresses the severity and critical nature of the need.

FAQs

How can I use "major need" in a sentence?

You can use "major need" to highlight a significant requirement or deficiency. For example: "There is a "major need" for improved healthcare access in rural areas."

What are some alternatives to saying "major need"?

You can use alternatives like "critical necessity", "significant requirement", or "pressing demand" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "major need" or "significant need"?

Both "major need" and "significant need" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Major" suggests a larger scale or impact, while "significant" emphasizes importance or consequence.

What's the difference between a "major need" and a "minor need"?

A "major need" indicates a substantial and critical requirement, whereas a "minor need" refers to a less important or less urgent requirement. The distinction lies in the scale and impact of the need.