needs when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs when" is not correct and usable in written English.
It appears to be an incomplete or unclear expression that lacks context for proper usage. Example: "I have specific needs when it comes to project deadlines."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We must make sure that Haiti gets the money it needs when it needs it".

The New York Times

I don't know what privacy a person needs when he's dead, but anyway".

The New Yorker

No army is ever supplied with everything it needs when it needs it.

The New York Times

That's what this country needs, when it comes to Social Security, for example.

The New York Times

She learned to bend her job to her needs when she first had a child.

The Guardian

So it is reasonable to think that start-ups might have different needs when it comes to health insurance.

The New York Times

He also has the intuition that a wideout needs when playing with a time-buying expert like Rodgers.

The New York Times

"The American consumer is still unfortunately focused on their needs when they open their wallet," he said.

The New York Times

It is designed and engineered to meet specific needs when drilling — or in this case, killing — a well.

The New York Times - Science

It certainly has nothing to do with the average person's needs when it comes to getting dressed for work.

The New York Times - Arts

He fears that such tenderness will undermine the toughness he needs when he returns to the trenches.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing to ensure grammatical clarity. Instead of "needs when", use alternatives like "requirements when" or "needs at the time" to improve sentence structure and readability.

Common error

Avoid using "needs when" as a standalone phrase without a clear subject or context. Ensure that the sentence clearly specifies who or what has the "needs" and the circumstances under which those needs arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs when" functions as an incomplete expression, often intended to link a requirement to a specific time or condition. Ludwig AI notes that this construction is not grammatically correct, suggesting clearer alternatives for effective communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "needs when" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI indicates it's not grammatically sound. Its intended purpose is to connect a requirement with a specific time or condition. For clearer communication, especially in professional or academic settings, consider using alternatives such as "requirements when" or "essential at the time". The high frequency in news and media contexts does not negate the need for more precise language to avoid ambiguity. To enhance clarity and grammatical correctness, rephrasing is often necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requirements when

Replaces "needs" with the more formal "requirements", emphasizing specific demands or prerequisites under certain conditions.

necessities when

Substitutes "needs" with "necessities", highlighting essential requirements at a particular time.

demands when

Replaces "needs" with "demands", stressing the urgency or importance of certain requirements in specific situations.

essential at the time

Focuses on the timing aspect, highlighting what is crucial or indispensable at a specific moment.

necessary for

Emphasizes the purpose or reason behind the necessity, specifying what something is required for at a given time.

crucial when

Highlights the critical importance of something under specific circumstances or at a particular time.

required at the time

Focuses on the mandatory nature of something at a particular moment, emphasizing obligation.

needed under conditions

Emphasizes that the need is dependent on specific circumstances or situations.

vital when

Stresses the indispensable nature of something at a certain time, highlighting its critical role.

important for circumstances

Highlights the relevance of certain considerations given the situation

FAQs

How can I rephrase "needs when" to improve clarity?

You can replace "needs when" with phrases like "requirements when", "needs at the time", or "needs under certain conditions" for better grammatical structure and readability.

Is "needs when" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "needs when" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It is advisable to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "needs when" in professional writing?

In professional contexts, consider using alternatives such as "requirements when", "essential at the time", or "necessary for" to maintain a formal and clear tone.

How does context affect the best alternative to "needs when"?

The best alternative depends on the specific context. If you are emphasizing a specific demand, use "demands when". If you are highlighting what is crucial at a particular time, use "essential at the time".