we are in dire need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are in dire need of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong necessity or urgent requirement for something. Example: "In light of the recent events, we are in dire need of additional resources to support our efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We are in dire need of effective collaborative responses by all relevant entities".

The Guardian - Sport

"We are in dire need of an informed and evidence-based drugs debate in this country," she said.

The Guardian

We are in dire need of an intermodal center for Brookhaven that allows for mixed express service to and from the 112 corridor.

The New York Times

"This tells me we are in dire need of some kind of mass transportation in Bergen County and elsewhere," Mr. Van Dyke said.

The New York Times

He continued, "We are in dire need of you.… The field of jihad can satisfy your scientific ambitions, and the large American bases are good places to test your unconventional weapons, whether biological or dirty, as they call them".

The New Yorker

In any case, we are in dire need of a forward-thinking approach to space policy and regulation that includes and goes beyond just Earth-orbiting satellites.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We are in dire need for young new leaders.

The New York Times

And we all know how news publishers today are in dire need of additional revenues".

TechCrunch

Patients living with autoimmunity are in dire need of help.

The New Yorker

Not all callers are in dire need of help.

The New York Times

They're people who are in dire need of help.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are in dire need of" when you want to emphasize the urgency and critical nature of a requirement. It adds weight to your statement.

Common error

While "we are in dire need of" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. It can sound overly dramatic in informal settings; opt for simpler alternatives like "we really need".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are in dire need of" functions as an expression of urgent necessity. It typically introduces a statement that highlights a critical requirement or lack, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are in dire need of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the urgency and critical nature of a requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples spanning various reputable sources, including news media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, and overuse in casual conversations should be avoided. Alternatives such as "we urgently require" or "we desperately need" can be used to convey similar meaning. Its primary function is to highlight a critical necessity and prompt immediate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we urgently require

This alternative uses "urgently" to emphasize the immediacy of the need.

we desperately need

This alternative replaces "dire" with "desperately" to convey a sense of urgency and strong need.

we are facing a critical shortage of

This alternative highlights the lack of something essential.

we have an urgent requirement for

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the requirement.

we are critically short of

This alternative focuses on the deficiency or lack of something.

we are in desperate straits for

This alternative conveys a difficult situation requiring urgent action.

immediate assistance is required

This alternative uses a passive voice to emphasize the need for help.

there is a pressing need for

This alternative highlights the urgency and importance of the need.

we require immediate intervention

This alternative emphasizes the need for prompt action to address a situation.

we are experiencing a severe lack of

This alternative expresses a strong deficiency in something.

FAQs

What does "we are in dire need of" mean?

The phrase "we are in dire need of" signifies that there is an urgent and critical requirement for something. It expresses a situation where there is a strong necessity and a lack of that thing could have severe consequences.

How to use "we are in dire need of" in a sentence?

You can use "we are in dire need of" to highlight an urgent requirement, for instance, "After the hurricane, "we are in dire need of" clean water and medical supplies." It emphasizes the critical nature of the needs.

What can I say instead of "we are in dire need of"?

You can use alternatives like "we urgently require", "we desperately need", or "we have an urgent requirement for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are in serious need of" instead of "we are in dire need of"?

Yes, "we are in serious need of" is a valid alternative. While both phrases express a significant need, ""we are in dire need of"" suggests a more critical or urgent situation than "we are in serious need of".