we were in need of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were in need of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a requirement or necessity for something. Example: "During the winter storm, we were in need of additional supplies to keep everyone safe and warm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We were in need of all kinds of support from anybody in the world.

The New Yorker

But we were in need of a meatless main course, so we ordered it anyway.

The New York Times - Food

Two men arrived from our local appliance store, fiddled a bit and announced that we were in need of roughly $1,500 worth of parts.

The Washington Post

"It was like we just found each other when we were in need of the freedom to really be who we were called to be," Ms. Gibson said.

The New York Times - Arts

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama may well have intuited that this graceful display was precisely the "change" that they could offer and that we were in need of.

The New York Times

I had spent the morning in Central Park with my husband and our 2-year-old daughter, and we were in need of rest and refreshments when we landed at this Mediterranean spot.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We are in need of new blood".

The Guardian

We're in need of everything, anything.

The New York Times

We're in need of good brains and innovators".

The Guardian

We're in need of a different type of designer.

MIT Technology Review

We are in need of him now more than ever.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were in need of", ensure it clearly specifies what was needed to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We were in need of additional funding for the project."

Common error

Avoid using "we were in need of" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "we needed" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were in need of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of requiring or lacking something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase describes a past condition where a necessity existed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were in need of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a past state of requiring something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While suitable for formal and neutral contexts, simpler alternatives like "we needed" may be preferred in informal settings. It is frequently found in news articles and scientific publications. Be sure to specify what was needed to avoid ambiguity and consider the tone of your writing when choosing between this phrase and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we required

Focuses on the necessity from a more formal perspective.

we needed

A more direct and common way to express the necessity.

we were lacking

Highlights the absence of something necessary.

we had a requirement for

Emphasizes a specific need or demand.

we stood in need of

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to express need.

we were short of

Indicates a deficiency or insufficiency.

we were wanting in

A more literary way to describe a lack of something.

we depended on

Highlights the reliance on external support or resources.

we had to have

Emphasizes the imperative nature of the need.

we could use

A more casual expression of needing something, often implying a benefit from having it.

FAQs

What is a simpler way to say "we were in need of"?

A simpler and more common alternative is "we needed", which conveys the same meaning with less formality.

When is it appropriate to use "we were in need of"?

This phrase is suitable in formal writing or when emphasizing the significance of the need. In casual conversation, "we needed" is generally preferred.

Is "we were in need of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were in need of" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for expressing a past state of requiring something.

What are some alternatives to "we were in need of" that highlight a deficiency?

Alternatives like "we were lacking" or "we were short of" can emphasize the absence or shortage of something necessary.