necessary evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "necessary evil" is correct and can be used in written English.
You use this phrase to refer to something unpleasant that must be accepted or done in order to achieve a desired result. For example, you might say, "Taxes are a necessary evil--we have to pay them in order to fund important public services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I'm a necessary evil.

The New York Times

It was a necessary evil".

The New York Times

Is Guantanamo a necessary evil?

The Guardian

Are they a necessary evil?

The Guardian - Music

"We are a necessary evil".

The Guardian

Maybe even a necessary evil.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But it's a necessary evil".

The New York Times

Unions, he explained, were "a necessary evil.

The New Yorker

Accept risk as a necessary evil.

The New York Times

But the LTRO was a necessary evil.

The New York Times

The testing industry is a necessary evil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "necessary evil", ensure the context clearly establishes both the negative aspect and the unavoidable need for the subject in question. This provides clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "necessary evil" as a blanket excuse for unethical actions. Critically evaluate whether the 'evil' is truly necessary and if alternatives exist. Consider if the benefits outweigh the negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "necessary evil" functions as a noun phrase that describes something inherently undesirable, yet considered essential or unavoidable for a particular purpose or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "necessary evil" describes something undesirable that is nonetheless essential for achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent usage across diverse contexts. While the phrase can effectively convey the acceptance of a compromise, it's crucial to avoid overusing it as a mere justification for questionable actions. Consider alternatives like "unavoidable drawback" or "regrettable necessity" to fine-tune your message. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can employ the phrase "necessary evil" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

necessary inconvenience

Highlights the trouble caused by something unavoidable.

regrettable necessity

Highlights the regret associated with the necessity.

unpleasant requisite

Highlights the unpleasantness of something required.

unavoidable drawback

Focuses on the negative aspect as an unavoidable consequence.

bitter pill to swallow

Suggests a difficult but necessary action.

inevitable compromise

Emphasizes the compromise aspect where something less desirable is accepted.

indispensable burden

Conveys the sense of a required but heavy load.

essential hardship

Emphasizes the element of difficulty or suffering that is fundamental.

the price you pay

Suggests something bad is a predictable consequence of getting something good.

trade-off

A simpler way of pointing something positive is gained in exchange for something negative.

FAQs

How can I use "necessary evil" in a sentence?

You can use "necessary evil" to describe something undesirable that is essential for achieving a goal. For instance, "Sacrificing short-term profits can be a "necessary evil" to ensure long-term sustainability".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "necessary evil"?

Alternatives include "unavoidable drawback", "regrettable necessity", or "inevitable compromise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe something as a "necessary evil"?

It is appropriate when the action or thing is genuinely undesirable but serves a crucial purpose. It's important to assess whether the benefits outweigh the negative aspects and whether alternatives are viable.

What is the nuance between "necessary evil" and "trade-off"?

"Necessary evil" emphasizes the negativity of something required, while "trade-off" suggests a more balanced exchange of pros and cons.