need of you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need of you" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used in contexts where someone expresses a desire or requirement for another person's presence or assistance, but it is more common to use "need you" instead. Example: "In this challenging time, I feel a deep need of you by my side to support me."

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They have no need of you in the end".

The Guardian - Books

Ha! ha! ha! Pray you, come hither, I have need of you.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

- Pox on't that you must needs be fooling now Just when the wits had greatest need of you.

The Guardian - Books

Always there for me, my husband, Arthur, and my children, Toni and Mark whenever we had need of you.

The New York Times

He continued, "We are in dire need of you.… The field of jihad can satisfy your scientific ambitions, and the large American bases are good places to test your unconventional weapons, whether biological or dirty, as they call them".

The New Yorker

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"If you're not doing what's needed of you, it has to be addressed," Messier said.

The New York Times - Sports

Our private swim lessons are designed to fit the individual needs of you or your child.

Johns Hopkins University

Also, the more people the less is needed of you, more people allows everyone to mingle with each other, that way not much is needed of you for entertainment.

WikiHow

I need all of you to help.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically acceptable, consider using the more common and direct phrase "need you" instead of "need of you" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "need of you" in casual contexts, as it can sound overly formal or archaic. Simpler alternatives like "I need you" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need of you" functions as an expression indicating a requirement or dependence on someone. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically sound, it is less common than simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need of you" expresses a sense of requiring someone's presence or assistance. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, it's less common and potentially more formal than alternatives like "I need you". It appears in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and wikis, but is less frequent in scientific or formal business settings. When writing, consider whether a simpler, more direct phrasing would be more appropriate for your audience and context. Its effectiveness depends on the context, with simpler options usually being preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I need you

Direct and simple statement of needing someone.

need your help

Directly expresses a need for someone's assistance or support.

have need of you

A more archaic or formal phrasing of the original query, still indicating a requirement.

require your assistance

A more formal way to ask for someone's help or support.

require your presence

Emphasizes a formal requirement or necessity for someone to be present.

need you by my side

Expresses a need for someone's companionship and support during a difficult time.

your presence is required

Highlights the necessity of someone's presence in a specific location or situation.

rely on you

Highlights dependence and trust in someone for support.

depend on you

Similar to "rely on you", emphasizing reliance for assistance or outcomes.

am counting on you

Indicates reliance on someone to fulfill a task or expectation.

FAQs

Is "need of you" grammatically correct?

Yes, "need of you" is grammatically acceptable, but it is less common than the more direct phrase "I need you".

When is it appropriate to use "need of you"?

The phrase "need of you" can be used when expressing a desire or requirement for someone's presence or assistance, though it may sound more formal or archaic. It's often better to use a more common phrasing like "I need you" or "I need your help".

What are some alternatives to "need of you"?

Alternatives include "I need you", "I require your presence", or "I depend on you", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "need of you" and "need you"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "I need you" is more direct and commonly used in contemporary English. "Need of you" can sound slightly old-fashioned or overly formal.