they need that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they need that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that someone requires or desires something specific. Example: "In order to complete the project successfully, they need that additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They need that roar.

The New York Times - Sports

Man did they need that!

The Guardian - Sport

They need that joy of discovery".

The New York Times

Above all, they need that information from Intel.

The Economist

They need that mating between transgenic males and wild females.

The Guardian

"They need that money on a yearly basis".

The New York Times

Don't they need that?' I sat up on one elbow.

The Guardian - Books

They need that extra amount of blood to fill the lungs".

The New York Times - Health

The generation that's coming back now, they need that same thing, they want that same thing".

The New Yorker

Don't they need that money for things presumably more important than holding onto a baseball team?

The New Yorker

If they do hit a problem, they need that extra support".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they need that", ensure that the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Use it to emphasize a specific requirement or desire within the given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "they need that" without properly establishing the subject or the specific item/action they require. Ensure both elements are clearly defined to prevent confusion and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they need that" functions as a statement expressing a requirement or necessity. It highlights that a specific entity or group ("they") requires something ("that") to achieve a particular goal or maintain a certain state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they need that" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to convey that a group requires something specific. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase. It's important to ensure clarity by explicitly stating who "they" refers to and what "that" represents. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "that is essential for them" may be more appropriate. Understanding its function and purpose helps to effectively communicate a need or requirement in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's what they must have

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity of obtaining something.

that's what they require

This alternative emphasizes the requirement aspect more directly.

they can't do without that

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary.

that's vital to them

Replaces "need" with "vital" to stress the importance.

that is essential for them

Changes the phrasing to highlight the essential nature of something.

that's indispensable for them

Highlights the irreplacable nature of what is needed.

that's what they're lacking

Focuses on the absence of something and its subsequent need.

they are dependent on that

Highlights the reliance on something for support or function.

that is crucial for their success

Specifically mentions success as the reason for needing something.

that's the key to their progress

Focuses on progress as the reason why something is needed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they need that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "that is essential for them", "that is what they require", or "that is indispensable to their operation" depending on the specific context.

Is it always clear who "they" refers to when using "they need that"?

No, it's not always clear. To avoid ambiguity, make sure the subject is explicitly stated before using "they need that". If the subject is unclear, rephrase for clarity.

What's the difference between saying "they want that" and "they need that"?

"They want that" expresses a desire, whereas "they need that" implies a necessity. "They need that" suggests that there will be negative consequences if the need is not fulfilled, while "they want that" simply expresses a preference.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "they need that"?

It is inappropriate when the "need" is subjective and not supported by evidence, or when the claim is made without understanding the full context of the situation. Ensure the necessity is genuine and justifiable.