they need him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they need him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a group of people requires the presence or assistance of a specific individual. Example: "In times of crisis, they need him to lead the team and make critical decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're praising God by physically and publicly demonstrating to Him that they need Him.

Huffington Post

"They need him around".

The New York Times - Health

Now they need him.

The New York Times - Sports

And suddenly they need him.

The Guardian

They need him, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They need him, and so do we".

The New York Times

They need him but won't say why.

The Guardian - Books

They need him to emerge now.

The New York Times - Sports

They need him to keep churning away.

The Guardian - Sport

They can't really complain because they need him.

The New York Times

But, quite honestly, they need him just as much.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they need him" when you want to express that a group of people or an organization is dependent on a particular person's skills, presence, or contribution.

Common error

While "they need him" is generally acceptable, be mindful of the context. In highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise or formal alternatives like "he is indispensable to them" or "they depend on his expertise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they need him" functions as a statement of requirement or dependency. Ludwig indicates this is grammatically correct, expressing that a group relies on an individual. Examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they need him" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a group depends on an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While adaptable to many situations, more formal alternatives might be suitable for specific professional or academic settings. Key considerations when using this phrase include the level of formality required and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, alternatives like "they depend on him" or "he is essential for them" can add precision or formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they depend on him

Focuses on their reliance and trust in his abilities.

he is essential for them

Stresses his fundamental importance to their success or well-being.

he is vital to them

Indicates that he's a critical element in their plans or functioning.

he is indispensable to them

Emphasizes that his contribution is absolutely necessary.

he is integral to their success

Highlights that he is vital and forms an essential part of something.

they rely heavily on him

Emphasizes the extent of their dependence.

they require his presence

Highlights the necessity of his physical presence or involvement.

his help is crucial for them

Highlights the importance of his assistance.

they have a pressing need for him

Stresses the urgency of their requirement.

they can't do without him

Informal way of saying he is crucial for their operations.

FAQs

What does "they need him" mean?

The phrase "they need him" indicates that a group of people or an organization relies on a particular person for their skills, presence, or contribution.

How can I use "they need him" in a sentence?

You can use "they need him" to express dependence. For example, "The team is struggling, "they need him" to lead them to victory."

What are some alternatives to "they need him"?

Alternatives include "they depend on him", "he is essential for them", or "he is indispensable to them".

Is "they need him" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they need him" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. More formal alternatives like "they require his expertise" might be preferable in academic or professional settings.