public need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing requirements or necessities that are relevant to the general population or community. Example: "The government must address the public need for affordable housing in urban areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The public need not be concerned.

Independent

The public need practical measures.

The Guardian

The public need that to change.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is necessary because the public need protecting.

Independent

The public need clarity over the rights given".

The Guardian - Business

But the public need to get behind this too.

The Guardian - Opinion

More to the point, a public need is being served.

The New York Times

But the public need not rely on voluntary compliance.

The New York Times

The public need the full picture to make the judgement".

The Guardian

That is what the public need to think about tonight".

The Guardian

Official greed, rather than public need, seems to be uppermost in government thinking.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "public need", be specific about which segment of the public you are referring to, as needs can vary greatly across demographics or geographic areas. Provide context to clarify the specific requirements being discussed.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all members of the public share the same needs. Differences in income, location, age, and other factors can create vastly different needs, and failing to recognize these nuances can lead to ineffective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public need" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a requirement or necessity that benefits the general population. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in discussions related to social welfare, infrastructure, and governance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "public need" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote essential requirements or necessities for the general population. As Ludwig AI highlights, it frequently appears in news and media, scientific discourse, and formal business contexts, signifying its relevance across various domains. When using "public need", consider specifying which segment of the public you are addressing and avoid overgeneralizations to ensure effective communication. Alternatives such as "societal needs" or "community requirements" can offer more specific nuances. Ultimately, understanding the context is key to employing this phrase accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal needs

Focuses on the collective requirements of a society, rather than just the public.

community requirements

Highlights the demands and necessities within a specific community.

social imperatives

Emphasizes the urgent and essential nature of social needs.

national requirements

Refers to the necessities at a country-wide level.

citizenry's necessities

Focuses specifically on what citizens require.

collective demands

Highlights the aggregate needs expressed by the public.

popular demands

Implies that the need is driven by public opinion and desire.

communal desires

Stresses that the need is rooted in the shared aspirations of a community.

welfare requirements

Centers on the prerequisites for ensuring public welfare.

civilian needs

Focuses on the needs of the non-military population.

FAQs

How can I use "public need" in a sentence?

You can use "public need" to describe something that is essential or required by the general population. For example: "The new infrastructure project addresses a critical "public need" for improved transportation".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "public need"?

Alternatives include "societal needs", "community requirements", or "social imperatives", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it more appropriate to say "public need" or "public needs"?

Both are correct, but "public need" typically refers to a general requirement, while "public needs" emphasizes multiple specific requirements. For example: "Addressing the "public need" for affordable housing is essential" versus "The government must consider the diverse "public needs" related to healthcare and education".

What's the difference between "public need" and "public demand"?

"Public need" refers to something that is essential or required for the well-being of the public, while "public demand" refers to something that the public actively desires or requests. A "public need" may exist even if there isn't a strong demand, and vice versa.