needs of the hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs of the hour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is required and necessary in a given situation, usually for the present time or the immediate future. For example: "The need for better education is the need of the hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Saracens went about their work in almost retro style, fighting for each other and putting the needs of the hour way before any expression of flamboyance.

The Guardian - Sport

He was king, then prince, then king again of Cambodia, amending his royal role according to the needs of the hour and his own volatile will.

The Guardian

By this means, certain aids to the security services during the time of threat can be provided, but under periodic review, which means: under continuous recognition they diminish liberties, that they are only temporarily justified by the needs of the hour and are guaranteed to expire.

The Guardian - Opinion

These apparently independent clocks--they function even when disconnected from the brain or from other parts of the body, and can be reset by exposure to light--may help various parts of the body tailor their protein production to suit the needs of the hour, Takahashi says.

Science Magazine

The U.S. needs a long-term strategy toward the Arab world, not built around convenient and useful talking points, election cycles or even looming energy crises, but one that deals with the urgent needs of the hour in the context of its long-term strategic vision, starting with Syria's disastrous civil war.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is need-of-the-hour that each profession should create its set of codes that is a system of self-regulation.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

The need of the hour, of the year, of the generation, is peace.

The New York Times

"We are very conscious of the fact that the need of the hour is reconciliation.

The Guardian

"The need of the hour is to put water on fire, not to fuel it".

The New York Times

Overtly investor-friendly regulatory regimes are the need of the hour.

The New York Times

Therefore, the need of the hour is to work together instead of bickering over who should take the first step!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase; while generally acceptable, it can sound slightly formal or dramatic in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "needs of the hour" in very casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or theatrical, especially when discussing minor issues. A simpler phrase might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs of the hour" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies what is currently most required or essential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate to use it in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs of the hour" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to highlight the urgency and importance of immediate requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While not exceptionally common, it appears primarily in news and media, and scientific contexts, lending a formal or neutral tone to writing. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure appropriateness, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives like "urgent requirements" or "current priorities" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immediate necessities

Highlights the essential and non-deferrable nature of the needs.

What requires immediate action

Highlights the necessity for prompt intervention or resolution.

Urgent requirements

Focuses on the immediate and pressing nature of the requirements.

What's crucial at the moment

Highlights what is critical and cannot be ignored presently.

The priority now is

Explicitly states what should be given precedence currently.

Current priorities

Emphasizes what is most important to address at the present time.

Essential tasks now

Focuses on the imperative work that needs to be done right away.

Present demands

Stresses the urgency and insistence of the requirements.

Most pressing issues

Shifts focus to the problems that require immediate attention.

Top concerns now

Emphasizes the most crucial matters to be worried about in the immediate timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "needs of the hour" in a sentence?

You can use "needs of the hour" to emphasize the urgency and importance of something required at the present time. For example, "Addressing climate change is the "needs of the hour"".

What are some alternatives to "needs of the hour"?

Some alternatives include "urgent requirements", "current priorities", or "immediate necessities", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "needs of the hour" in formal writing?

Yes, "needs of the hour" is suitable for formal writing when you want to highlight the pressing importance of a particular issue. It adds a sense of urgency and significance to your message.

What's the difference between "needs of the hour" and "important issues"?

"Needs of the hour" implies a sense of urgency and immediacy, suggesting that the issue requires immediate attention. "Important issues" is a broader term that encompasses significant concerns without necessarily implying the same level of urgency.