those in need

USAGE SUMMARY

"those in need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who require assistance of some kind, such as financial assistance, housing assistance, or food assistance. For example, you could say: "We should always help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those in need?

The New York Times

Help those in need.

The Washington Post

Rejection of those in need.

The Guardian

We pay attention to those in need.

The New York Times

Conclusion: we must help those in need.

The Guardian

longing to help those in need.

The New Yorker

"To them, those in need are not citizens.

The New York Times

Public money should be distributed only to those in need.

The New York Times

And he gave freely to those in need.

The New Yorker

He was a defender of all those in need.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What is critical is urgent help to those in need.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "those in need", ensure the context clearly defines what type of need is being addressed (e.g., financial, medical, emotional). This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "those in need" as a catch-all phrase without specifying the nature of their need. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your message. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those in need" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a group of people who require assistance. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "those in need" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to individuals requiring assistance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and suitable for various contexts, including news, formal communications, and scientific discussions. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to identify a specific group of individuals facing hardship. While alternatives like "people requiring assistance" or "the vulnerable population" exist, "those in need" remains a widely accepted and frequently used option. Remember to provide context about the specific type of need when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people requiring assistance

Focuses on the act of needing help, emphasizing the assistance aspect.

individuals in hardship

Highlights the difficult circumstances faced by these people.

the vulnerable population

Emphasizes the susceptibility of the group to harm or difficulty.

disadvantaged persons

Highlights the systemic barriers they face.

the less fortunate

Emphasizes their lack of privilege compared to others.

people facing adversity

Focuses on the challenges and difficulties they are currently experiencing.

the impoverished

Specifically refers to those lacking financial resources.

underprivileged individuals

Highlights their lack of access to opportunities and resources.

marginalized groups

Emphasizes their social exclusion and lack of power.

communities in crisis

Shifts the focus to entire communities facing severe difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "those in need" to refer to people requiring assistance. For example: "The charity provides food and shelter to "those in need"."

What are some alternatives to "those in need"?

Some alternatives include "people requiring assistance", "individuals in hardship", or "the vulnerable population depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "those who are in need" instead of "those in need"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "Those in need" is generally more concise and commonly used.

What is the difference between "those in need" and "the needy"?

"Those in need" is a more respectful and less stigmatizing way to refer to people who require assistance, whereas "the needy" can sound somewhat dismissive or condescending.