so in need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so in need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong requirement or desire for something, often in a context where urgency or intensity is implied. Example: "After a long week of work, I am so in need of a relaxing vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"They are so poor, so in need.

The New York Times

There was this flow of love back and forth between us that I was feeling so in need of".

The New York Times

We will stay with these people so in need of our help until the job is done.

The Guardian

He believed it was the only system that could create prosperity, but it was also inherently unstable and so in need of constant reform.

The New York Times

The black heart of coal country — and, as the film shows, our national energy debate — has never seemed so in need of white knights.

The New York Times

If Norway, Japan and Iceland are so in need of whale meat, they should use all the surplus blubber they have stockpiled in warehouses.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Yet a messy compromise at a company that is so lacking in direction and so badly in need of restructuring would be the worst possible outcome.

The Economist

There are so many in need here, and there is so much to do.

BBC

To one so much in need.

The New Yorker

He's so terribly in need of wholesome diversion.

The New Yorker

"Are we really saying we can't help these people who are so desperately in need?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so in need", consider pairing it with specific verbs (like 'are', 'seem', 'appear') to clearly link the subject to its need, creating a more impactful statement.

Common error

Avoid using "so in need" in everyday conversation or informal writing where a milder expression of need would suffice. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact when you need to convey genuine urgency or significant lack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so in need" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, emphasizing the intensity of the need. It is typically used to describe someone or something experiencing a significant lack or requirement. Ludwig AI validates this usage, confirming its appropriateness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so in need" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a strong sense of necessity or urgency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically found in news and media contexts, indicating a significant lack or requirement. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in casual contexts to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives like "desperately in need" or "urgently requiring" can be considered for nuanced expressions. Remember to pair "so in need" with appropriate verbs to clearly link the subject to its need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatly in need

Emphasizes the extent of the need, suggesting a significant deficiency.

desperately in need

Highlights the urgency and critical nature of the need.

acutely in need

Indicates a sharp or intense feeling of need.

badly in need

Indicates a strong need or requirement for something.

very much in need

Amplifies the degree to which something is required.

urgently requiring

Focuses on the pressing nature of the requirement.

in dire need

Emphasizes a state of extreme necessity or urgency.

gravely requiring

Similar to 'desperately needing' but sounds a bit more formal.

particularly requiring

Highlights a specific need in contrast to others.

wanting significantly

Highlights significant desire or requirement for something.

FAQs

How can I use "so in need" in a sentence?

You can use "so in need" to emphasize a strong necessity or desire for something. For example, "The hospital is "so in need" of blood donations" or "After the storm, the residents were "so in need" of clean water".

What are some alternatives to "so in need"?

Alternatives include "desperately in need", "greatly in need", "badly in need", or "urgently requiring", depending on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "so in need"?

Yes, "so in need" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a strong state of lacking something. It's frequently found in news articles and formal writing.

What is the difference between "in need" and "so in need"?

"In need" indicates a general state of lacking something, while "so in need" intensifies that state, emphasizing a greater or more urgent requirement. Using "so" amplifies the degree of necessity.