really needed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really needed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the necessity or importance of something in a particular context. Example: "The project cannot move forward without the resources that are really needed to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Betsy really needed it.

The New York Times

We really needed that.

The New York Times - Magazine

We really needed it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I really needed it.

The New York Times

I really needed that!

Harvard University

He really needed that victory.

The New York Times - Sports

"I really needed the money".

The New York Times

"He's never really needed us".

The New York Times

She really, really needed them.

The New York Times

And they really needed it.

Princeton University

We really needed another income".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really needed" to emphasize the importance of something, especially when the lack of it would have significant consequences. For example, "The funding was "really needed" to complete the project on time."

Common error

Avoid using "really needed" for trivial situations; reserve it for instances where the need is genuinely significant. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really needed" functions as an intensifier modifying a past participle. It emphasizes the necessity or importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really needed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the necessity of something. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its usage across a broad range of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where the need is genuinely significant, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives such as "urgently required" or "absolutely essential" may offer more formal or nuanced ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely essential

Stresses the indispensable nature of the need, leaving no room for doubt.

truly indispensable

Highlights that is impossible to substitute with another item

critically necessary

Highlights the severity of the situation and the non-negotiable aspect of the need.

particularly crucial

Emphasizes that the need is of superior importance than others.

vitally important

Highlights the significance and crucial nature of the need.

genuinely required

Adds an element of authenticity and legitimacy to the need.

urgently required

Emphasizes the time-sensitive aspect of the need, suggesting immediate action.

desperately wanted

Focuses on the intensity of desire and the potential negative consequences of not fulfilling the need.

badly wanted

Indicates a strong desire and the potential for disappointment if not obtained.

sorely missed

Emphasizes the feeling of lack and the negative impact of not having something.

FAQs

How can I use "really needed" in a sentence?

Use "really needed" to emphasize the necessity of something. For example: "The extra support was "really needed" during the crisis."

What are some alternatives to "really needed"?

You can use alternatives such as "urgently required", "vitally important", or "absolutely essential" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "really needed" in formal writing?

While "really needed" is acceptable in most contexts, for highly formal writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "critically necessary" or "genuinely required".

What's the difference between "needed" and "really needed"?

"Really needed" simply adds emphasis to the word "needed", conveying a greater sense of urgency or importance. It suggests that the need is particularly acute or critical.