so badly needed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so badly needed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the urgency of an action or a particular necessity. For example: "This piece of legislation is so badly needed in order to tackle the current crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is the former that is so badly needed.

Princeton University

[In Mexico] really good journalists are so badly needed.

The Guardian

The tragedy is that the site's work has never been so badly needed.

Independent

The second half was blessed by the early goal the first half so badly  needed.

Independent

Approval for the newer hepatitis C drugs was expedited because better treatments were so badly needed.

The New York Times - Health

Now they have the kick-start they have so badly needed.

The Guardian - Sport

And the people who so badly needed those apartments have to do without.

The New York Times

What has replaced it is not the crusade so badly needed but just an official silence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our report shows why scrutiny of British science is so badly needed".

The Guardian

Who then pays for the services the government now recognises are so badly needed?

The Guardian - Opinion

Where is the next "Lovely Bones" when it's so badly needed?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so badly needed" to emphasize the urgency or critical nature of a requirement or solution. This phrase adds impact when you want to convey a strong sense of necessity.

Common error

While effective in many situations, avoid overusing "so badly needed" in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "critically important" or "urgently required" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so badly needed" functions as an adjective phrase that emphasizes the critical necessity or urgency of something. It is typically used to highlight a significant lack or deficiency that requires immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so badly needed" is a versatile and frequently used expression to emphasize the critical necessity or urgency of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. While it fits well in diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation, it’s wise to consider the specific tone of your writing and choose alternatives like "urgently required" or "critically important" in more formal settings. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "so badly needed" to convey a strong sense of importance and urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgently required

Replaces "badly needed" with "urgently required", emphasizing the time-sensitive aspect of the need.

desperately needed

Substitutes "badly" with "desperately", increasing the intensity of the need.

critically important

Shifts the emphasis from 'need' to 'importance', conveying the necessity through significance.

vitally necessary

Emphasizes the essential nature of the requirement, highlighting its importance for survival or success.

in dire need

Emphasizes the severity of the situation and the urgency of the need.

sorely missed

Focuses on the absence of something and the negative impact it has.

imperative

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word emphasizing the urgent need.

indispensable

Highlights the non-negotiable nature of the requirement.

long overdue

Highlights how something should have already happened or been addressed.

acutely wanted

Replaces the necessity with a strong desire.

FAQs

What does "so badly needed" mean?

The phrase "so badly needed" emphasizes the urgency and importance of something that is lacking or required. It suggests a critical need that must be addressed.

How can I use "so badly needed" in a sentence?

You can use "so badly needed" to describe anything that is urgently required. For example: "The new hospital wing is "urgently required" to cope with the increasing number of patients."

What are some alternatives to "so badly needed"?

Alternatives to "so badly needed" include "desperately needed", "urgently required", "critically important", or "vitally necessary".

Is "so badly needed" formal or informal?

"So badly needed" is generally considered suitable for both neutral and informal contexts. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "critically important" or "vitally necessary".