need for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need for something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a requirement or desire for a particular item, service, or condition. Example: "There is a growing need for affordable housing in urban areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's need for something.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There was a need for something joyful".

The New York Times

Its leaders, including King, realised the need for something big.

Independent

I understand the need for something to be done.

The New York Times

Why the need for something operating outside these conventional arrangements?

The Guardian

But perhaps you feel the need for something yet more powerful, but exclusive too.

Independent

"Necessity" is a simple word that means "an imperative requirement or need for something".

The New York Times

Only significant experience in programming would show the need for something so apparently useless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes he stole when he felt a need for something he or the household lacked.

The New Yorker

There's not just a gap in the market, but a need for something different.

The New York Times

But as TV becomes more banal maybe the need for something dynamic and exciting becomes greater.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need for something", ensure the context clearly defines what is needed and why it is important. This will make your writing more precise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "need for something" as a vague statement. Always clarify what the 'something' is and why it is necessary. For example, instead of saying "There is a need for something in education", specify "There is a need for improved teacher training in mathematics to enhance student performance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need for something" primarily functions as a noun phrase, indicating a requirement, lack, or desire for a particular entity or condition. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples where the phrase introduces the specific object of need, such as "need for something new" or "need for something more".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need for something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a requirement, desire, or deficiency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to clarify the specific 'something' to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "requirement for something" or "necessity for something" can be used for a similar meaning with a slightly different emphasis. Remember to specify what is needed and why, making your writing precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requirement for something

Focuses on a mandatory aspect or condition.

necessity for something

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of what is needed.

demand for something

Highlights the strong desire or request for something.

lack of something

Indicates the absence of something which is required.

desire for something

Focuses on a wish or longing.

shortage of something

Implies a deficiency or inadequate supply.

absence of something

Points to the non-existence or unavailability of something.

yearning for something

Suggests a deep and persistent desire.

exigency for something

Highlights the urgent and critical nature of the need.

a craving for something

Implies a strong and often uncontrollable desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "need for something" to express a requirement or desire. For example, "There is a "need for something" new in the market", or "The company recognized the "need for something" innovative".

What are some alternatives to "need for something"?

You can use alternatives like "requirement for something", "necessity for something", or "demand for something" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "need for something" or "a need of something"?

"Need for something" is the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. "A need of something" is less frequent and can sound awkward in many contexts.

How does "need for something" differ from "want for something"?

"Need for something" implies a requirement or necessity, while "want for something" indicates a desire or preference. The former suggests a lack that should be addressed, while the latter suggests a desire that may not be essential.