sense the need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense the need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the awareness or recognition of a requirement or necessity in a particular context. Example: "As a leader, it's important to sense the need for change within the organization and act accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I sense the need for leadership.

The Guardian

Congress seemed to sense the need for blame as well.

The New York Times

In a sense, the need to engage with the Taliban is an aspect of the need to engage with Pakistan.

The New Yorker

In a sense, the need to commemorate Sept. 11 simply magnified the paradox that always surrounds Memorial Day.

The New York Times

The news media, when they sense the need to temper their fawning Tigermania, will mildly suggest that he isn't Bobby Jones -- yet.

The New York Times - Sports

It is possible to trace many aspects of Davis's character -- the shrewd business sense, the need to prove his street credentials, the tension between curiosity and caution, risk and calculation -- to his pampered yet unstable childhood.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

From the 1970s until a few years ago, he sought to understand how a single enzyme can sense the needs of the cell and regulate its own activity.

University of California, Berkeley

The most effective leaders "sense" the needs of their followers and adapt their leadership accordingly.

Forbes

The ultimate ambient-intelligent care room of the future uses numerous devices to sense the needs and preferences of the patients and caregivers and adapt itself accordingly [ 3].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Perhaps sensing the need to improve, the offensive starters have appeared a little less overwrought.

The New York Times - Sports

The Swiss early on sensed the need to expand beyond a domestic market of seven million people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sense the need", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. It suggests an intuitive understanding, so it fits well when discussing leadership, problem-solving, or proactive planning.

Common error

While "sense the need" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly technical or scientific contexts where precise measurements and data are expected. Opt for more specific terms like "detect", "measure", or "identify" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense the need" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of perceiving or becoming aware of a requirement or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense the need" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys an intuitive understanding of a requirement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is generally acceptable. It is most commonly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of intuitive awareness and consider more precise terms in technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize the necessity

Emphasizes a formal acknowledgment of a requirement, shifting from intuition to a clear understanding.

perceive the requirement

Focuses on becoming aware of a specific condition or demand, using a more formal tone.

detect the demand

Highlights the identification of a specific request or market pull, leaning towards a business context.

discern the urgency

Stresses the identification of an immediate need, adding a sense of time-sensitivity.

grasp the importance

Highlights understanding the significance of something, rather than just sensing a need.

appreciate the value

Focuses on understanding the worth or benefit of something, which implies recognizing its necessity.

be aware of the call

Implies recognizing an appeal or summons to action, rather than a general need.

feel the imperative

Conveys a strong, almost moral obligation to act, going beyond a simple recognition of need.

intuit the obligation

Suggests understanding a duty or responsibility through intuition, adding a layer of moral or ethical awareness.

anticipate the requirement

Focuses on predicting a future need before it arises, implying a proactive approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense the need" to describe an intuitive understanding of a requirement, as in, "A good leader can "sense the need" for change within their organization."

What are some alternatives to "sense the need"?

Alternatives include "recognize the necessity", "perceive the requirement", or "detect the demand", each offering slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "sense a need" or "sense the need"?

While both are grammatically correct, "sense the need" is more common when referring to a specific, identifiable requirement, while "sense a need" might refer to a more general or undefined feeling of necessity.

What does it mean to "sense the need" for something?

To "sense the need" implies an intuitive understanding or awareness of a requirement or necessity, often without explicit evidence or detailed analysis.