need for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need for someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or requirement for another person's presence, assistance, or support. Example: "In times of crisis, there is often a strong need for someone to provide guidance and reassurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor the abject, subservient need for someone else's love.

The New York Times

Smart walkers are robotically augmented walking aids that may save the user the need for someone to help.

NPG Neurologie - Psychiatrie - Gériatrie

And I felt this need for someone, and finally they pointed at me.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM CATHY N.: Do you see a need for someone to regulate the regulators?

The New Yorker

The basis for their request was "a need for someone to maintain their FC equipment".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

; there's no need for someone to actually click on the result.

The Guardian - Tech

"There is a need for someone to understand how a club of this size works.

The Guardian - Sport

"We felt there was a need for someone coming from a perspective that wasn't religious".

The Guardian

There's a need for someone to scoop up the thinking left and get them together.

The Guardian

For others there is a need for someone to "hear their story".

The Guardian

But Koppelman feels that the need for someone to do what he's doing on Vine far outweighs the drawbacks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "need for someone" to express a desire for companionship, assistance, or emotional support. It clearly conveys a sense of reliance or longing.

Common error

While "need for someone" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "requirement for assistance" in professional or academic writing to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need for someone" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As demonstrated by examples in Ludwig, it expresses a desire, requirement, or dependence on another person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need for someone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a desire, requirement, or dependence on another person. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to academic discussions. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives in professional writing. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of needing someone

Explicitly states the feeling of needing someone.

necessity of having someone

Emphasizes the essential nature of needing someone.

requirement for a person

Replaces 'need' with 'requirement', focusing on necessity.

dependence on someone

Focuses on the reliance on another person.

desire for a person

Substitutes 'need' with 'desire', emphasizing longing or wish.

longing for a person

Similar to yearning, conveys a sentimental need.

craving for a person

Uses 'craving' to denote a strong need or desire.

yearning for someone

Replaces 'need' with 'yearning', highlighting a deep longing.

wanting someone's presence

Highlights the need for someone to be present.

urge to have someone

Indicates a strong impulse to be with someone.

FAQs

How can I use "need for someone" in a sentence?

You can use "need for someone" to express a desire for companionship or assistance, as in "During difficult times, there is often a strong "need for someone" to provide support".

What are some alternatives to "need for someone"?

Alternatives include "requirement for a person", "desire for a person", or "dependence on someone", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "need for someone"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "need for someone" and "need of someone"?

"Need for someone" expresses a desire or requirement involving another person. "Need of someone" is less common, but can suggest that a person is lacking something essential. For example, in some contexts, "need for someone" could be replaced with alternatives like "crave for someone" or "longing for a person".