requires assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requires assistance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone or something needs help or support in a particular situation. Example: "The patient requires assistance to move from the bed to the wheelchair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your own mask first, and then assist the other person". If you've ever been on an airplane you've likely heard some iteration these words.

HuffPost

If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, be sure to secure your own mask first before assisting others". I sat, silenced, as I let the words of the usual take-off ritual sink into the depths of my mind.

HuffPost

The well-studied process of endocytic vesicle formation provides precedence for these additional requirements because clathrin alone can form spherical assemblies but nevertheless requires assistance from BAR domain-containing proteins to help bend membranes, and assistance from actin and dynamin to release the vesicle (Weinberg and Drubin, 2012).

eLife

Pillay was born with an abnormality on his left foot and requires assistance with walking.

The Guardian - Sport

He now requires assistance and physical manipulation by an aide for even the most basic acts, court papers say.

The New York Times

Mr. Holba, who usually requires assistance to walk, crawled to his residence to call for help shortly before 10 a.m.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Students requiring assistance should contact the Student Services Center.

Stanford University

And most direct offerings require assistance from a knowledgeable lawyer.

The New York Times

More than half the 10 million people requiring assistance are children.

The Guardian

However, other passengers may also require assistance to make the journey from check-in to gate.

The Guardian - Money

But these structures remain weak and inaccessible for most women requiring assistance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "requires assistance" to maintain a professional tone. In more casual contexts, "needs help" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "requires assistance" in very informal settings where simpler language like "needs help" or "could use a hand" would be more natural. Using overly formal language can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requires assistance" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a need for help or support. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe individuals needing personal care, systems needing technical support, or processes needing additional components. This emphasizes the necessity of intervention or aid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "requires assistance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a need for help or support. According to Ludwig AI, its formality level leans toward neutral to professional, making it suitable for academic, scientific, and business contexts. While alternatives like "needs help" exist for more informal settings, "requires assistance" is best used when objectivity and a degree of formality are desired. The phrase is commonly found in news, scientific publications, and academic papers, signifying its broad applicability and acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs help

This is a more direct and informal way of saying someone needs assistance.

is in need of support

This phrase is slightly more formal and emphasizes the provision of support.

needs aid

This suggests a more urgent or critical need for help.

is dependent on support

This highlights the reliance on external help for functioning.

relies on aid

Similar to "is dependent on support", but slightly less formal.

is unable to cope alone

This emphasizes the individual's inability to manage without assistance.

cannot manage independently

This clearly states the lack of independent functioning.

is challenged

This phrase frames needing assistance in terms of overcoming an obstacle.

would benefit from support

This suggests that support would be helpful, even if not strictly necessary.

is struggling

This highlights the effort and difficulty someone is facing, indicating a need for help.

FAQs

How can I use "requires assistance" in a sentence?

You can use "requires assistance" to describe someone or something that needs help or support. For example, "The patient "requires assistance" to move from the bed to the wheelchair."

What are some alternatives to "requires assistance"?

Alternatives include "needs help", "is in need of support", or "needs aid" depending on the context.

Is "requires assistance" formal or informal?

"Requires assistance" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "needs help" are more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "requires assistance" over "needs help"?

Use "requires assistance" in professional, academic, or formal settings. "Needs help" is suitable for everyday conversations or less formal writing.