to require

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to require" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a need or necessity for something in various contexts, such as rules, regulations, or personal needs. Example: "The project will require additional resources to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Statistical learning seemed to require the hippocampus.

The New Yorker

"This is going to require bipartisan effort.

The New York Times

Prioritizing itself turns out to require time.

The New York Times

It's going to require action.

The Guardian - Money

Neuropathic pain seems to require genetic vulnerability.

The New York Times - Magazine

They don't seem to require privacy.

The New Yorker

He, too, wants to require prior authorization.

The New York Times

It's going to require some convincing".

The New York Times - Sports

The government's going to require it.

The New York Times

It's going to require working together.

The Guardian

She didn't seem to require such care.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to require", ensure that the subject clearly indicates who or what is imposing the requirement. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to require" without specifying what is required or who is requiring it. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations. For instance, instead of saying "This requires attention", specify "This issue requires the project manager's immediate attention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to require" functions primarily as a verb infinitive, indicating the need for something. Ludwig AI confirms that it expresses necessity or obligation, as seen in examples like "Statistical learning seemed to require the hippocampus".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to require" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use spans across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While generally neutral to formal, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what or who imposes the requirement. Alternatives such as "to necessitate" or "to demand" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. When writing, aim for precision to avoid vagueness and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to necessitate

Emphasizes a logical or unavoidable need.

to demand

Suggests a firm and authoritative need.

to call for

Indicates a need or request for something.

to entail

Highlights that something is a necessary consequence.

to involve

Focuses on the inclusion of something as a necessary part.

to need

Expresses a basic and essential requirement.

to lack

Indicates the absence of something necessary.

to be essential

Stresses the critical importance of something.

to make it compulsory

Highlights the mandatory aspect of something.

to stipulate

Specifies a condition or requirement in an agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "to require" in a sentence?

You can use "to require" to indicate necessity or obligation. For example, "The task is going "to require" teamwork", or "The law is going "to require" all citizens to vote".

What are some alternatives to "to require"?

Alternatives include "to necessitate", "to demand", "to entail", or "to involve", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "to require" or "to need"?

"To require" often implies a formal or authoritative need, while "to need" suggests a more basic or essential requirement. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality desired.

What's the difference between "to require" and "to request"?

"To require" implies an obligation or necessity, whereas "to request" implies asking politely for something. "The policy is going "to require" all employees to attend the training" indicates a mandatory action, while "I'm going "to request" their presence at the meeting" is simply asking for it.