necessities of life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'necessities of life' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the basic requirements for health and well-being. For example, "Food, water, and shelter are some of the most essential necessities of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's include both food and drink – clearly necessities of life.

The Guardian - Business

They remain woefully short of the necessities of life, such as jobs, clean water and electricity.

The Economist

They contain the bare necessities of life – a bed, a table, a chair, a simple bathroom.

Independent

A three- or four-day week would be ample to procure the necessities of life.

Independent

For centuries they have provided most of the necessities of life for humans in the tropics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New infrastructures were required to bring the necessities of life to the growing population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As a result, some needy children are denied the basic necessities of life".

The New York Times

But what about all the other necessities of life in our little corner of the world?

The New York Times

We may find that grooming sits among the subordinate necessities of life.

The Guardian - Books

For millennia, people have known what the necessities of life are.

The Guardian - Books

It was depriving children of the "basic necessities of life", agreed Lord Kerr.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "necessities of life", consider the context to determine if you're referring to basic survival needs or a broader range of essential elements for a reasonable quality of life. Be specific if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "necessities of life" as a catch-all term for all desirable things. It should primarily refer to items or conditions essential for survival and well-being, not just comforts or conveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "necessities of life" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the fundamental requirements needed for survival and well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "necessities of life" correctly refers to the basic requirements for survival and well-being. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage is very common across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to remember that this phrase primarily denotes items essential for survival, not just comforts or conveniences. Consider using alternatives like "essentials for living" or "basic requirements" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentials for living

Focuses on the elements that are absolutely crucial for maintaining life.

basic requirements

Highlights the fundamental needs that must be met.

life's essentials

Emphasizes the most important aspects for sustaining life.

fundamental needs

Refers to the core requirements for human survival and welfare.

vital supplies

Highlights the resources that are indispensable for maintaining life.

bare necessities

Suggests the absolute minimum required to survive.

essential resources

Emphasizes the resources that are necessary for existence.

indispensable items

Stresses the items that cannot be done without.

survival needs

Specifically points to the needs that are crucial for survival.

basic provisions

Refers to the fundamental supplies necessary for sustaining life.

FAQs

What are some examples of the "necessities of life"?

Examples of the "necessities of life" typically include food, water, shelter, clothing, and basic healthcare. These are the fundamental requirements for human survival and well-being.

How can I use "necessities of life" in a sentence?

You can use "necessities of life" in a sentence like this: "Many people struggle to afford the basic "necessities of life", such as adequate housing and nutritious food."

What is a more concise way to say "necessities of life"?

Alternatives to "necessities of life" include "life's essentials" or "basic requirements", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "necessities of life" and "luxuries of life"?

"Necessities of life" refer to essential items for survival, whereas "luxuries of life" describe non-essential items that provide comfort and enjoyment but are not crucial for survival. For example, basic food versus gourmet meals.