requires

USAGE SUMMARY

'requires' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It is primarily used as a verb, and it means "to need (something) as a necessary condition or part." For example, you can use the sentence "This recipe requires fresh basil and oregano to bring out its full flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will want to determine that those responsible for operating this ride have done what the law requires.

The Guardian

A successful referendum requires a double majority – a national yes vote, and affirmation in the majority of the states.

The Guardian

Will the country defy the doomsayers and unlock the €7.2bn in held-up bailout funds it so desperately requires?

The Guardian

"Oil prices are going down but this ministry has always been given what it requires," Khulaifi added.

The Guardian

It requires the kind of "rat-like cunning" that Nicholas Tomalin reckoned was one of the three essential qualities for any good journalist.

The Guardian - Sport

Bringing a prosecution under this act was always going to be difficult because it requires an explicit agreement to pay money or some other "valuable consideration", such as a loan, in return for an honour.

The Guardian

China restricts the number of foreign films it releases and often requires broad edits of American films before they meet censors' standards.

The Guardian - Film

It requires nothing less than a technological and social transformation: the building, over the next 40 years, of a global low-carbon economy and society.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a simple truth, but lost on people who "lead", that all progress requires change but not all change constitutes progress.

The Guardian

Already academics asked to host a distinguished professor of political Islam first consult the police, and are told that this everyday university event requires a strong police presence.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Strengthening cities requires greater attention not just to specific spaces, but also to specific groups of people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "requires", ensure the sentence clearly states what is needed and the condition or situation making it necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "requires" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead, rephrase to clearly state who or what is doing the requiring.

Linguistic Context

The verb "requires" primarily functions as a transitive verb, indicating that something is necessary or essential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It connects a subject with an object that is needed or demanded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "requires" is a versatile transitive verb indicating necessity or obligation. It is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. Ludwig AI confirms that "requires" is a perfectly correct and usable word. While other similar words exists, carefully examine your context before switching it for an alternative. Best practice is to ensure clarity when using "requires", specifying what is needed and the conditions that make it necessary. Avoid passive constructions to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs

A simpler and more direct synonym for "requires".

necessitates

Emphasizes that something is unavoidable as a consequence.

demands

Indicates a strong need or expectation for something.

calls for

Suggests that something is needed or appropriate in a given situation.

is essential

Highlights the critical importance of something.

is a must

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary or indispensable.

makes necessary

Highlights that something causes a need for another thing.

makes it imperative

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of a specific action.

stipulates

Specifies a particular condition or requirement.

is requisite

A more formal way of saying something is required or necessary.

FAQs

How do I use "requires" in a sentence?

Use "requires" to indicate that something is necessary or essential. For example, "This recipe "requires" fresh herbs" or "The job "requires" a strong work ethic".

What can I say instead of "requires"?

You can use alternatives like "needs", "demands", or "necessitates" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "requires that" or "requires for"?

"Requires that" is typically used to introduce a clause, while "requires for" is less common. For example, "The law "requires that" all citizens vote". You could say "The law has some requirements for new citizens".

What's the difference between "requires" and "requests"?

"Requires" implies a necessity or obligation, whereas "requests" implies a polite asking. Something that is "required" is essential, while something that is "requested" is optional.