that need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a singular, generally stated idea or need. For example: "All children need a safe place to play, that need is especially true for those living in poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They help businesses that need no help.

The Economist

There are some things that need fixing.

The New York Times

Blaming the victim obviates that need.

The Economist

Akbar understood that need and satisfied it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There are certainly questions that need answers.

The New York Times

" Any other defensive gems that need mentioning?

The New York Times

I've got wigs that need repairing.

The New York Times

We face many problems that need solutions.

The New York Times

I think they're meeting that need.

Forbes

But when will that need emerge?

Forbes

These are all questions that need asking".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that need", ensure it clearly refers to a previously mentioned noun or idea to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The project requires additional funding; that need should be addressed immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "that need" without a clear antecedent. Without a clear reference, it can confuse the reader. Instead of "That need should be addressed", specify "The need for funding should be addressed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that need" functions as a demonstrative determiner plus a noun, referring to a specific requirement or necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from addressing systemic problems to expressing personal desires.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

37%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that need" is a versatile and common way to refer to a specific requirement or necessity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its grammatical function is that of a demonstrative determiner followed by a noun. The contexts of use range from formal discussions of business and economics, as seen in The Economist and Forbes, to general advice in WikiHow, and news media, where a majority of the occurrences happen. While grammatically sound and widely used, ensuring a clear reference point will help avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""that requirement"" or ""that necessity"" can provide nuanced variations in meaning or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that necessity

Substitutes "need" with its noun form, "necessity", maintaining a formal tone.

that requirement

Replaces "need" with "requirement", indicating a formal condition or prerequisite.

that demand

Uses "demand" instead of "need", suggesting a stronger, more urgent requirement.

that obligation

Emphasizes a moral or legal duty, rather than a simple necessity.

that imperative

Highlights the urgency and critical importance of the need.

that deficiency

Focuses on the absence or lack of something, framing the need as a gap to be filled.

that shortfall

Highlights a lack of something, often resources, framing the need as a deficit to overcome.

that absence

Shifts focus to something missing or not existing, making it a broader alternative.

that gap

Describes a missing element or a void, framing the need as a discontinuity to address.

that desire

Expresses a wish or craving, implying the need is based on wanting rather than strict necessity.

FAQs

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

You can use "that need" to refer back to a previously mentioned requirement or necessity. For example, "The company is expanding, "that need" to hire more staff is urgent".

What are some alternatives to "that need"?

Alternatives include "that requirement", "that necessity", or "that demand", depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "that need"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence directly with "that need" might sound awkward. It's often better to rephrase to provide a clearer connection to what was previously mentioned. For example, instead of "That need must be met", consider "The need for better communication must be met".

How does "that need" differ from "this need"?

"That need" typically refers to something previously discussed or more distant, while "this need" refers to something immediate or currently being addressed. The choice depends on the context and proximity of the need being referenced.