necessary evils

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "necessary evils" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or decisions that are undesirable but deemed essential for achieving a greater good or necessary outcome. Example: "In the world of business, layoffs are often seen as necessary evils to ensure the company's long-term survival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

For now, hydrocarbons and the warming they bring with them are necessary evils.

The Economist

Analysts dismissed the share buybacks and cost cutting as necessary evils.

The New York Times

Barbara Williams, Mr. Hayden's wife, called the cruise "one of the necessary evils of keeping something afloat.

The New York Times

A century earlier, Adam Smith had described them as necessary evils, to be handed out sparingly, and many other economists have since echoed his reservations.

The Economist

Many units consider interpreters to be necessary evils, and even those who are Americans of Afghan descent are often scorned or mistreated for being too obviously "different".

The New York Times

The security services and the police have made no secret that they are lobbying to keep some of the more draconian measures, including 28 days pre-charge detention and control orders, as "necessary evils".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "necessary evils" when you want to acknowledge the negative aspects of a decision or action while emphasizing its necessity for achieving a greater good. For instance, "Budget cuts were a necessary evil to balance the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "necessary evils" to justify actions that are purely unethical or avoidable. The phrase should only apply when there is a genuine and unavoidable need for the action, and all alternatives have been exhausted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "necessary evils" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object. It describes things or actions that are undesirable but considered essential or unavoidable in achieving a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "necessary evils" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes actions or decisions considered undesirable but essential for achieving a greater good. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, its purpose is to justify unavoidable negative consequences. When using this phrase, ensure the 'evil' is genuinely unavoidable and that the context warrants such justification. Alternatives include "unfortunate necessities" or "required compromises". This phrase carries a neutral tone, often employed to temper criticism by providing rationale in serious discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant requirements

Focuses on the unpleasant nature of mandatory actions.

unfortunate necessities

Highlights the unfortunate nature of something essential.

regrettable obligations

Highlights the regret associated with certain duties.

inevitable downsides

Stresses the unavoidable negative aspects of a situation.

unavoidable drawbacks

Focuses on the unavoidable aspect of negative consequences.

essential sacrifices

Highlights the sacrifices involved in achieving a desired outcome.

required compromises

Emphasizes the need to make sacrifices to achieve a goal.

indispensable burdens

Emphasizes burdens as something essential.

tolerable imperfections

Focuses on accepting flaws that must be tolerated.

justified compromises

Emphasizes the need to compromise and justifies that compromise.

FAQs

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

You can use "necessary evils" to describe situations where undesirable actions are required to achieve a greater good. For example, "Layoffs were considered "necessary evils" to save the company from bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "necessary evils"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate necessities", "required compromises", or "unavoidable drawbacks", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "necessary evils" in formal writing?

Yes, "necessary evils" can be used in formal writing, particularly when discussing complex decisions with unavoidable negative consequences. Ensure the context clearly justifies the necessity.

What's the difference between "necessary evils" and "unavoidable problems"?

"Necessary evils" implies a deliberate choice or action that has negative consequences but is deemed essential, whereas "unavoidable problems" simply refers to issues that cannot be prevented, regardless of any action taken.