severe needs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe needs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe urgent or critical requirements, often in contexts related to social services, healthcare, or education. Example: "The organization focuses on providing support for individuals with severe needs, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Because of changes to eligibility criteria, only those with severe needs are now eligible," Dimoldenberg told the social care network.

The Guardian

Microfinance is a great instrument to alleviate the most severe needs, but it is an unproven one to promote development.

The Economist

Beginning this year, all special education students, except those with the most severe needs, may enroll in neighborhood zoned schools.

The New York Times

"It is of course absolutely devastating when you see such terrible malnutrition," he said on Tuesday, warning of "very severe needs".

The Guardian

It's outrageous that someone who has severe needs because of dementia is given £400 a week while a child with similarly severe needs, for instance because of a learning disability, will be told there is £3,000-£4,000 a week available.

The Guardian

Still, many wondered whether the policies attending the effort, begun in earnest last year, were adversely affecting some children, particularly those with the most severe needs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

There are pertinent issues in severe need of addressing, which the above statistics highlight.

The Guardian - Opinion

By now, most of the city's projects are at least fifty years old and in severe need of repair.

The New Yorker

Whatever the answer, transportation officials say the results highlight a severe need for expanded and affordable mass transit.

The New York Times

Charm has disappeared from the repertoire, and his seduction technique looks in severe need of a rethink.

Independent

And nearly three-quarters of new-markets investments go to areas that the Treasury Department considers to be in severe need.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resource allocation, specify who or what groups are experiencing "severe needs" to provide clarity and context. For instance, mention "children with severe learning disabilities" instead of just "those with severe needs".

Common error

Avoid using "severe needs" as a vague catch-all term. Always specify the type of needs being addressed to ensure your communication is clear and impactful. For example, instead of stating "the community has severe needs", specify "the community has severe needs for clean water and medical supplies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe needs" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "needs", indicating the intensity or critical nature of the requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness, as exemplified in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe needs" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe critical requirements or circumstances. Ludwig AI indicates its appropriateness across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal settings. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the type of needs and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like ""critical needs"" or "urgent requirements" can be used depending on the specific emphasis desired. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the urgency and importance of addressing "severe needs" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical needs

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the needs, highlighting their crucial nature.

urgent requirements

Focuses on the time-sensitive nature of the needs, suggesting immediate action is necessary.

dire circumstances

Highlights the severity of the situation creating the needs, emphasizing the distress involved.

acute deprivations

Stresses the intensity and sudden onset of the lack of essential resources or support.

pressing demands

Indicates that the needs require immediate attention and action due to their compelling nature.

exceptional challenges

Shifts the focus to the difficulties faced in meeting the needs, highlighting their complexity.

substantial deficits

Emphasizes the significant gap between what is needed and what is available.

overwhelming hardships

Focuses on the burden and distress caused by the needs, highlighting their impact on individuals or communities.

extreme vulnerabilities

Highlights the susceptible position of those with the needs, emphasizing their susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

intense privations

Focuses on the severity of the lack of basic necessities, emphasizing the suffering involved.

FAQs

How is "severe needs" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "severe needs" is generally used to describe situations where individuals or groups require significant assistance or resources. For instance, you might say, "The program aims to support families with "critical needs"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "severe needs"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "urgent requirements", "dire circumstances", or "acute deprivations" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "severe needs" in formal writing?

Yes, "severe needs" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in contexts related to social services, healthcare, or education. It clearly and directly communicates the urgency and gravity of the situation. Make sure the claim is supported by evidence.

What kind of situations typically involve "severe needs"?

"Severe needs" often arise in situations involving poverty, disability, illness, or disaster, where individuals or communities lack access to essential resources and support. For example, a region affected by a devastating earthquake might have "exceptional challenges" regarding shelter, food, and medical care.