time of need

USAGE SUMMARY

'time of need' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation when something or someone is needed the most, for example: "My best friend always comes to my aid in my time of need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The world's time of need.

The New York Times - Sports

"Isn't this a time of need?

The New York Times

Aunt Rosamund supports Edith in her time of need.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They came to him in their time of need.

The New York Times

Many turned to him in their time of need.

The New York Times

I think it is important that we stand by our friends in their time of need".

The New York Times

She gave of herself fully to help others in their time of need.

The New York Times

Please don't be scared to assist us at our time of need.

The Guardian

"I wanted to be there in their time of need," Mr. Sweeney said.

The New York Times

There is no shortage of cold shoulders for New York in its time of need.

The New York Times

He meant so much to our entire family in our time of need.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time of need", ensure the context clearly indicates who is in need and what type of assistance is required. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "time of need" in situations that are only slightly inconvenient. Save it for scenarios involving genuine hardship or crisis to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of need" functions primarily as a noun phrase that often acts as an adverbial modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a situation or moment when assistance, support, or resources are critically required. It can modify verbs, adjectives, or other nouns to specify when an action or state is particularly necessary or relevant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time of need" is a commonly used phrase to describe a situation when assistance or support is essential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts ranging from formal news reports to informal discussions. The phrase effectively conveys urgency and the necessity for intervention. It is crucial, however, to avoid overuse in less critical situations to maintain its impact. When using this phrase, clarity is key; make sure to specify who needs help and what that help entails. Consider alternatives such as "hour of need" or "urgent situation" to add variety to your writing and speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hour of need

Classic alternative emphasizing the pressing nature of the moment.

moment of crisis

Similar to "time of need" but emphasizes a specific, acute instance.

critical moment

Highlights the significance and potential impact of the instant.

desperate times

Conveys a sense of desperation and dire circumstances.

crisis point

Emphasizes the severity and potential danger of the situation.

critical juncture

Focuses on the decisiveness and importance of the moment.

testing times

Emphasizes the challenging and trying nature of the situation.

urgent situation

Highlights the immediacy and necessity for prompt action.

exigent circumstance

More formal and legalistic, emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

difficult period

Broader term indicating a challenging phase requiring support.

FAQs

How can I use "time of need" in a sentence?

You can use "time of need" to describe situations where someone requires immediate assistance or support. For example, "Friends often rally together in a "moment of crisis"".

What's a more formal way to say "time of need"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "exigent circumstance" or "critical juncture" especially in legal or business contexts.

What are some alternatives to "time of need"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "hour of need", "urgent situation", or "desperate times".

Is it correct to say "any time of need" instead of "time of need"?

While "time of need" generally refers to a specific instance or period, "any time of need" broadens the scope to refer to any occasion when help is required. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the intended meaning. The first is more specific, while the second is more general.