on a needs basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a needs basis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something happening or being provided only when needed. For example: "The medical staff will provide services on a needs basis for those in need of assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It should be catered for on a needs basis.

The Guardian

NSW has been named a standout state by experts including Bonnor for allocating Gonski funding on a needs basis and directing money to the most disadvantaged schools.

The Guardian

On a needs basis, some treatment centers may provide partial financial assistance through various scholarship funds to patients who qualify for such assistance.

The New York Times

Some of the prime minister's colleagues had called for the priority to be Christians, prompting Labor and others to declare that the places should be allocated "on a needs basis, without qualification or discrimination".

The Guardian

Employers should ensure that at least some funded internships are set aside on a needs basis and make it clear to university career centres that they are interested in addressing the existing underrepresentation of poorer aid workers.

The Guardian

For example, I may delegate certain information access on a needs basis.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The UK's levy would come from our already assigned foreign aid budget and be allocated to humanitarian agencies on a "need" basis ensuring that money is not withheld and humanitarian needs are met.

The Guardian

The assessment ensures that the right services are provided to clients at the right time and reassessments can be done on a needed basis.

BMC Palliative Care

CGA is also offered to existing residents on an "as needs" basis.

Clinical interventions in aging

Depending on the requirements, one should be able to configure features on a need basis, which reduces development complexity and thus fosters development.

Journal of Systems and Software

We're an organization that does things on a need basis.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a needs basis", clearly define the criteria for 'need' to avoid ambiguity and ensure fair and consistent application. For instance, specify what factors constitute a 'need' and how these will be assessed.

Common error

Avoid using "on a needs basis" as a vague justification. Always provide specific details about what constitutes a 'need' in your context to maintain transparency and prevent potential misunderstandings or disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a needs basis" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the condition under which an action is performed or something is provided. Ludwig AI confirms this is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a needs basis" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express that something is provided or done only when necessary. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and commonly used expression in English, spanning across science, news, and more formal contexts. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to define what constitutes a 'need' within the specific context. Alternatives like "as needed" or "when necessary" can be used in less formal situations. While generally neutral to formal, defining criteria for 'need' prevents ambiguity and maintains transparency, making it an effective phrase for resource allocation and conditional actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as needed

Shorter, more direct way of saying something is provided only when necessary.

when necessary

A concise alternative indicating provision only at the point of requirement.

according to requirements

Focuses on fulfilling specific needs or prerequisites.

dependent on necessity

Highlights the reliance on a demonstrable need.

tailored to individual needs

Focuses on the personalization of the provision based on unique requirements.

based on demand

Emphasizes the actual requests or expressed needs.

on a case-by-case basis

Each situation is individually assessed to determine the appropriate response or allocation.

as circumstances dictate

Suggests a flexible approach contingent on situational needs.

subject to availability

Highlights that provision also depends on available resources.

contingent upon request

Formal way of saying that something is provided only if asked for.

FAQs

How can I use "on a needs basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a needs basis" to indicate that something will be provided or done only when it is necessary or required. For example, "Additional support will be provided on a needs basis" or "Resources are allocated on a needs basis".

What's the difference between "as needed" and "on a needs basis"?

"As needed" is a more concise and informal way to express the same idea as "on a needs basis". The phrase "as needed" is often used in less formal contexts, while "on a needs basis" might be preferred in formal or professional settings.

What can I say instead of "on a needs basis"?

You can use alternatives like "as required", "when necessary", or "subject to availability" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "on a need basis" or "on a needs basis"?

"On a needs basis" is the more commonly used and grammatically preferred form. While "on a need basis" might be encountered, it is less standard. The plural form emphasizes that the 'basis' is determined by varying individual needs.