preclude the need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preclude the need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something eliminates the requirement for something else. For example, "This new technology would preclude the need for manual labor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It might even preclude the need for an ad agency".

The New York Times

The designs today preclude the need for obstructed views".

The New York Times

But there are some areas of cooperation that would preclude the need for recess appointments.

The New York Times

What's more, Dr. Wexler warned, the use of a reparative product does not preclude the need for continued sunscreen applications.

The New York Times - Style

The agreement would preclude the need for a civil trial, which was scheduled to begin on Thursday.

The New York Times

Adequate centralized funding of public schools, making a city school sufficiently adequate to preclude the need for choice, is much more sensible.

The New York Times

In May Medina trounced the opposition, garnering more than 60 percent of the vote to capture an absolute majority and preclude the need for a runoff.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Downing Street's preferred method would preclude the need for a formal Commons motion to be passed, allowing next Wednesday's regular morning business – including prime minister's questions – to be skipped.

The Guardian

Radiologists studied CT and MRI scans of these bodies, made diagnoses based on them, explained their confidence in these diagnoses, and judged whether the scans might thus preclude the need for a full autopsy.

The Economist

When asked about Mr. Bloomberg's criticisms, Errol Cockfield, a spokesman for Mr. Paterson, said the governor was involved in discussions with the state's Indian nations, those recognized by the state or the federal government, "to preclude the need for more endless litigation".

The New York Times

Athens's aim, he insisted, was to "approach" international capital markets – from which it has been excluded since 2010 – which would preclude the need for further aid to plug a funding gap in 2014 and 2015 variously estimated at between €9.5bn (£8.12bn) and €11.1bn.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preclude the need" to streamline explanations, especially in technical or formal writing, where efficiency and precision are valued.

Common error

While "preclude the need" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "eliminate" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preclude the need" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the action of making something unnecessary or impossible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable. Examples show it often introduces a condition or action that removes a future requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preclude the need" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig AI. It conveys that a particular action or condition eliminates the necessity for something else. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, it suggests a formal register. When writing, it’s advisable to be aware of the level of formality to ensure that the phrase is used appropriately, considering simpler alternatives in informal conversations. As guidance, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what condition or action is removing the need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preclude the necessity

Swaps out "need" with the synonym "necessity".

obviate the necessity

Replaces "preclude the need" with a more formal vocabulary choice, focusing on eliminating a necessity.

eliminate the requirement

Directly states the removal of a specific requirement, similar to precluding a need.

remove the obligation

Focuses on eliminating a formal duty or obligation.

rule out the necessity

Implies that a certain action makes a necessity impossible or unnecessary.

avert the requirement

Suggests preventing a requirement from arising in the first place.

forestall the necessity

Emphasizes proactively preventing a necessity before it occurs.

negate the requirement

Highlights the cancellation or nullification of a requirement.

make unnecessary

Simplifies the expression to a more direct and concise form.

render needless

Indicates something becomes superfluous or not required.

FAQs

How can I use "preclude the need" in a sentence?

You can use "preclude the need" to indicate that something makes another thing unnecessary. For example, "Implementing this new software will "preclude the need" for manual data entry."

What are some alternatives to "preclude the need"?

Alternatives include "obviate the necessity", "eliminate the requirement", or "make unnecessary", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "preclude the need" or "eliminate the need"?

"Preclude the need" is more formal and suggests preventing a need from arising, while "eliminate the need" /s/eliminate+the+need is more general and can refer to removing an existing need. The best choice depends on the desired tone and specific meaning.

What is the difference between "preclude the need" and "avoid the need"?

"Preclude the need" suggests that something makes a future need impossible, while "avoid the need" "avoid the need" indicates a conscious effort to prevent a need from occurring.