most need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most need" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the highest level of necessity, but it is better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "In this situation, those who have the most need for assistance should be prioritized."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most need several more years to qualify.

The New York Times

What we most need now is authenticity.

The Economist

For most — need this really be said?

The New Yorker

Most need several insulin shots a day.

The New York Times

When do we most need poetry?

The New York Times - Books

Always fighting for those in most need.

The Guardian

That's when they feel that they most need Him.

The New York Times

"It was in the area with the most need".

The New York Times

We won't have reached the people who most need it".

The New York Times

Women now understand what they most need to defend.

The New Yorker

Businesses say they most need engineers, especially in computer sciences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, consider rephrasing "most need" to "greatest need" or "highest priority" for better readability and impact in formal writing.

Common error

While acceptable, "most need" can sound less refined than alternatives like "greatest need" or "primary requirement" in formal documents. Opt for stronger phrasing to convey authority and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most need" functions as a descriptor identifying the entity with the highest level of requirement or necessity. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the phrase may not be the most elegant and can benefit from rephrasing for greater clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "most need" is a frequently used phrase to denote a high degree of necessity, it's important to consider the context and audience. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase isn't always the most elegant, and alternatives like "greatest need" or "highest priority" might enhance clarity and formality. Predominantly found in news and scientific sources, the phrase serves to highlight areas or individuals requiring immediate attention and resources. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication. It's always advisable to evaluate the specific context to ensure the chosen phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest need

Replaces "most" with "greatest", emphasizing the magnitude of the need.

highest need

Replaces "most" with "highest", indicating a top-priority requirement.

biggest need

Substitutes "most" with "biggest", focusing on the scale of the necessity.

utmost necessity

Replaces both words with synonyms, emphasizing the importance.

primary requirement

Shifts from "need" to "requirement", indicating a fundamental demand.

essential demand

Uses "essential" to highlight critical need.

critical want

Uses the word want as a synonym for need.

pressing demand

Emphasizes urgency in addition to need.

dire necessity

Highlights the severity and urgency of the need.

urgent requirement

Combines urgency and the concept of something required.

FAQs

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

You can use "most need" to describe the area or thing requiring the greatest level of assistance. For example, "The communities that "most need" investment are often those with the weakest business revenue base".

What are some alternatives to "most need"?

You can use alternatives like "greatest need", "highest priority", or "primary requirement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "greatest need" or "most need"?

While both are understandable, "greatest need" often sounds more polished and is preferred in formal writing. Ludwig AI points out that clarifying the phrase is generally helpful.

Which situations are appropriate for using "most need"?

"Most need" is suitable in various contexts, particularly when emphasizing which person, group, or item requires the most urgent or substantial assistance or resource allocation.