Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
necessity to be able
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "necessity to be able" is not correct in standard written English.
It is awkward and can lead to confusion in conveying the intended meaning. Example: "There is a necessity to be able to adapt quickly to changes in the market."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Eventually microwaveable pizzas showed up on the scene and brought the necessity to be able to crisp and brown foods.
News & Media
EST copy number filtering was a necessity to be able to study stability and complexity of dominating transcripts in early embryos of cod.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Given that racism permeates our social environment, the brain of a person suffering racial discrimination sees hypervigilance as a necessity in order to be able to cope with any challenges that may arise.
News & Media
"I believe that people coming home from incarceration, it's a necessity for them to be able to have IDs and birth certificates," said Brandon Elliot, an organizer with the Youth Justice Coalition, a local group of formerly incarcerated youth and their allies who have spent two years lobbying for a change on the ID issue.
News & Media
Consider the necessity of virtue to be able to be sincere, the wisdom to be compassionate without becoming trapped and the strength of character and skill to act when needed even when it is hard, while accepting the realities of what comes to us and others of what we cannot cure.
Wiki
The vulnerability of Chinese citizens abroad and the necessity to do something to be able to protect them came into clear focus last November when Fan Jinghui was killed by Islamic State militants in Syria and when three Chinese nationals were killed by Al Qaeda militants during a hotel siege in the Malian capital Bamako.
News & Media
A rationale for IxAC variability may be the necessity for the tick to be able to inhibit AP activity from a wide range of hosts.
Science
Cross-linking experiments demonstrated the necessity for this loop to be able to move in order for both peptide binding and catalysis to occur [ 12].
Thus, SE should be refined, adapted and aligned as much as possible with global necessities by the scholars to be able to justify its role as a model for social value creating activities.
With employment a necessity for many, not just to be able to pay the bills and look after the family, but also and osten just as importantly, to provide a sense of self-worth, Labour needs to regain ground on the economy and jobs in particular if it is to stand any chance at the next General Election.
News & Media
But, for the poorest countries, increasing productivity is a matter of survival, and for developing countries generally it is a necessity if they are going to be able to provide education and health care to their citizens.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When emphasizing the importance of an ability, consider using "essential to be able" which is often more natural-sounding.
Common error
Avoid using the phrase "necessity to be able" because it can make your writing sound convoluted and less accessible. Simpler phrasing enhances clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase functions as a purpose connector, indicating a required condition for achieving a certain outcome. While Ludwig examples are limited, the intended meaning relates to the essential requirements for a desired result.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "necessity to be able" is understandable, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect and awkward. As indicated by Ludwig, opting for alternatives like "need to be able" or "requirement to be able" enhances clarity and improves the overall quality of writing. Although present across News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, its low frequency suggests that its use should be approached with caution, particularly in formal settings. Using clearer and more direct language will always make your writing more impactful.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
need to be able
Replaces "necessity" with the more common and direct "need".
requirement to be able
Substitutes "necessity" with "requirement", another word indicating something essential.
importance to be able
Replaces "necessity" with "importance", focusing on the significance of being able to do something.
essential to be able
Uses the adjective "essential" instead of the noun "necessity".
imperative to be able
Substitutes with "imperative", suggesting a sense of urgency or obligation.
vital to be able
Replaces "necessity" with "vital", highlighting the critical nature of the ability.
crucial to be able
Uses "crucial" in place of "necessity", indicating a decisive or critical element.
requirement of being able
Rephrases to emphasize the act of "being able" as the required element.
the ability is needed
Transforms the phrase to focus on the "ability" as what's needed.
it is necessary to be able
Adds "it is" to make the structure more explicit and grammatical but maintains similar meaning.
FAQs
What is a better way to phrase "necessity to be able"?
Instead of "necessity to be able", use more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "need to be able" or "requirement to be able".
Is "necessity to be able" grammatically correct?
While understandable, "necessity to be able" is considered awkward and not standard English. It's better to use phrases like "need to be able".
When should I use "necessity to be able"?
It's generally advisable to avoid "necessity to be able" in formal writing. In informal contexts, while its meaning might be clear, there are always better alternatives like "need to be able".
What's the difference between "necessity to be able" and "need to be able"?
"Need to be able" is a more direct and commonly accepted way to express the same idea as "necessity to be able". The latter is perceived as slightly awkward or overly formal.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested