need for what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need for what" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when questioning the specific requirement or purpose of something. Example: "I understand your need for what, but can you clarify your expectations?" Alternative expressions include "need for which" and "need for what purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The C.D.C. guidance in this setting outlines the need for what is called controlled movement.

The New Yorker

Hence the need for what fashion people call a bridge line.

The New York Times

I felt no need for what is called, in other contexts, the "exit interview".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I do think there is always a need for what I call an evangelical vitality," he says.

The New Yorker

Mr. Patrick has based his campaign on the need for what he calls authentic conservative leadership in the State Senate.

The New York Times

Talk a little about the kind of support mechanism you need for what you want to accomplish.

The New York Times - Arts

He detailed the epidemic of violence and then located its cause in the need for what we would now call identity politics.

The New Yorker

He added that "the need for what they provide is going away" as major airlines drop service on those the smaller jets.

The New York Times

Is there any way to remedy this policy without accepting the need for what Michael sometimes describes as the "imperial burden"?

The New York Times

"We haven't found another theater like this one yet and there is a need for what we're doing," Mr. Alpert said in an interview.

The New York Times

Robinson has written recently of the need for what he calls "geophany", meaning a language "fit for the secular celebration of place".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need for what", ensure that the subsequent explanation clarifies the specific necessity. Provide enough context to justify the need being expressed.

Common error

Ensure you don't state a "need for what" without adequately explaining why that need exists. Always provide sufficient context or reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need for what" functions as an interrogative expression used to seek clarification or justification for a particular requirement. It highlights a demand for understanding the reasons behind a stated necessity, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need for what" is a versatile expression used to solicit clarification regarding the purpose or justification behind a stated need. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, science and formal communications. The phrase invites a deeper understanding of context and rationale, serving as a prompt for further explanation. While alternatives like "reason for what" or "purpose for which" exist, they offer subtle differences in emphasis. Using "need for what" effectively involves providing adequate supporting information to clarify the necessity being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

necessity for what

Replaces "need" with a synonym, emphasizing the essential nature of the requirement.

requirement for what

Substitutes "need" with another term indicating something indispensable.

reason for what

Focuses more on the justification or explanation behind a requirement, rather than the necessity itself.

purpose for which

Emphasizes the intended aim or goal that necessitates something.

justification for what

Highlights the reasons or evidence supporting the need for something.

basis for what

Indicates the underlying foundation or rationale for a requirement.

rationale for what

Similar to "reason for what", but often implies a more formal or structured explanation.

grounds for what

Refers to the specific circumstances or facts that create a need.

demand for what

Suggests a strong desire or request for something, creating a need.

urgency for what

Implies that something is needed quickly or immediately.

FAQs

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

The phrase "need for what" is used to inquire about or specify the purpose or reason behind a requirement. For example, "They discussed the "need for what" the new equipment would provide to the lab."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "need for what"?

You can use alternatives like "reason for what", "purpose for which", or "justification for what" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. All these alternatives serve to question or clarify the underlying cause of the requirement.

Is it more appropriate to use "need for which" or "need for what"?

Both "need for which" and "need for what" are grammatically correct, but "need for what" is generally more common and sounds more natural in contemporary English. "Need for which" is more formal.

What is the difference between "necessity for what" and "need for what"?

"Necessity for what" is a more emphatic way of expressing ""need for what"", underscoring the essential nature of the requirement. They are largely interchangeable, but "necessity" adds a layer of importance.