necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “necessary” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is needed in order to achieve a particular result. For example: "It is necessary to buy a new car if you want to get to work on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're working hard over the holiday period to make the necessary adjustments to our timetable as a consequence, and to provide as much information as we can".

The Guardian - Business

Both the LOC and SAFA adhered to the necessary formalities for the budgetary amendment.

The Guardian - Sport

No purchase is necessary.

The Guardian

They are necessary, for how else can collective will be channelled into the tasks of government.

The Guardian

It was necessary to have that little shock, to learn how the game was played in this country – different to Scotland, to Argentina, to anywhere else.

The Guardian - Sport

President Rahmon's office promises the new building will be the "most beautiful" in central Asia and will include three large concert halls, with "necessary world-class features".

The Guardian

We've bought into the charity line that these full-on formats are a necessary evil.

The Guardian - Opinion

I always tried to avoid contact with those violent guards unless it was extremely necessary.

The Guardian

Lay down foreign policy objectives, decide what military resources are necessary and then allocate the financial resources necessary," he said.

The Guardian

A government spokesman told Guardian Australia a strong administration was necessary if APY was to operate as an institution that was effective and accountable to the communities it represented.

The Guardian

To achieve this it is necessary to vote against the possibility of a referendum, and to remove the spectre of leaving the EU from the political horizon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "necessary", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the subject indispensable. For example, specify what goal requires it, or what negative outcome it prevents.

Common error

Avoid using "necessary" vaguely. Instead of saying "This is necessary", specify why it's needed. For example, instead of "The change is necessary", say "The change is necessary to improve efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The word "necessary" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is required, essential, or indispensable for a particular purpose or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Opinion

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "necessary" is a versatile adjective used to denote that something is required or essential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news media and business. While applicable in many situations, it's crucial to provide clear context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "required", "essential", and "indispensable", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to be specific about why something is "necessary" to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required

Emphasizes a formal obligation or condition that must be met.

essential

Highlights the indispensable nature of something for achieving a specific outcome.

indispensable

Stresses that something is absolutely crucial and cannot be done without.

requisite

Indicates something needed or essential as a consequence of meeting certain requirements.

vital

Implies extreme importance and the potential for serious consequences if lacking.

needed

A straightforward term indicating a lack or deficiency that calls for something.

unavoidable

Focuses on the certainty and inescapability of an action or situation.

critical

Highlights the high importance and potential impact of something.

imperative

Emphasizes the urgent and crucial need for something.

compulsory

Denotes something that is mandatory or legally required.

FAQs

How can I use "necessary" in a sentence?

You can use "necessary" to indicate something is required or essential. For example, "It is "necessary" to complete the application form to apply for the grant".

What is an alternative to saying "necessary"?

Alternatives to "necessary" include "required", "essential", or "indispensable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "absolutely necessary"?

Yes, saying "absolutely necessary" is correct and emphasizes the critical importance of something. It reinforces that the thing is essential and cannot be avoided.

What's the difference between "necessary" and "important"?

"Necessary" implies something is required or essential to achieve a specific outcome or avoid a negative consequence, while "important" suggests something has significance or value but isn't necessarily essential.