necessary condition for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "necessary condition for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a certain requirement that must be met in order for something else to happen or for something to be true. For example, "Safety is a necessary condition for a successful construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Openness is a necessary condition for transparency.

Cornell University

"Violence never begets peace, the necessary condition for development".

The Guardian

Technological diversification is a necessary condition for technology fusion.

Harvard Business Review

Turning in all assignments is a necessary condition for passing.

Princeton University

Additionally, the necessary condition for eigenaxis rotation is provided.

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

I think that this is a necessary condition for defeating terrorism.

The New York Times

So is obsessionality a dangerous mental state, or the necessary condition for an admirable work ethic?

The Guardian - Opinion

Cancer cells were a necessary condition for disease but not a sufficient one.

The New Yorker

But a positive outcome is surely a necessary condition for a serious economic recovery plan.

The Guardian - Business

"For Arendt, hearing opposing opinions is the necessary condition for a politics of plurality".

The New Yorker

In today's politics, money is a necessary condition for success, but it's by no means sufficient.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "necessary condition for", ensure you clearly define both the condition and the outcome it enables. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "necessary condition for" something guarantees its occurrence. A necessary condition is required, but other conditions might also be needed for the outcome to happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "necessary condition for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a requirement or prerequisite. It's commonly used to establish a logical relationship where one thing is essential for another. Ludwig confirms this widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "necessary condition for" is a commonly used phrase to express that one thing is required for another to occur. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and prevalent across various fields like science, news, and academia. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining both the condition and the outcome. Avoid the common mistake of assuming a necessary condition guarantees an outcome, as other factors may also be needed. Consider using alternatives like "requisite condition for" or "prerequisite for" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requisite condition for

Replaces "necessary" with "requisite", emphasizing the required nature of the condition.

essential condition for

Uses "essential" instead of "necessary", highlighting the indispensable nature of the condition.

indispensable condition for

Emphasizes that the condition is absolutely crucial and cannot be done without.

prerequisite for

A more concise alternative, implying that the condition must be met beforehand.

fundamental requirement for

Highlights that the condition is a basic and essential need.

basic requirement for

Similar to fundamental requirement, but slightly less emphatic.

a must for

A more informal way to express the necessity of something.

critical component for

Highlights that the condition is a crucial part of a larger whole.

vital element for

Emphasizes the critical and life-sustaining nature of the condition.

key factor for

Shifts the focus to the condition being an important element contributing to a result.

FAQs

How to use "necessary condition for" in a sentence?

The phrase "necessary condition for" indicates a requirement that must be met for something else to occur. For example, "Having a valid passport is a "necessary condition for" international travel."

What's the difference between "necessary condition for" and "sufficient condition for"?

"Necessary condition for" means something is required, but not enough on its own. "Sufficient condition for" means if something exists, the outcome is guaranteed. For instance, breathing is a "necessary condition for" life, but it isn't sufficient since other factors are also needed. Having a million dollars is a "sufficient condition for" being wealthy (though not necessarily a necessary one).

What can I say instead of "necessary condition for"?

You can use alternatives like "requisite condition for", "essential condition for", or "prerequisite for" depending on the context.

Is "necessary condition for" formal or informal?

The phrase "necessary condition for" is generally considered formal and is suitable for academic, professional, and technical writing. It is less common in casual conversation.