when in need

USAGE SUMMARY

"when in need" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you find yourself lacking something, or to express that someone or something has a requirement for something. Example: When in need, we can turn to our friends and family for help and support.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then we are not exactly lavish in honouring our own musicians, except in the kind of block solutions to which developers turn when in need.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stem cell therapy will help the baby when in need.

Harvard University

We define some basic features that a person typically exhibits when in need of guidance.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

But there were other educational tidbits: When in need of comedy, crowd-source.

The New York Times

In this type of social foraging, people contribute when they have excess resources and receive provisioning when in need.

Evolution and Human Behavior

"The essence of the alliance is an attitude to help each other when in need," it observed.

The Guardian

When in need of airport or beach reading, she prefers the nursery-pudding jollity of PG Wodehouse to chick lit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His plans meant you pay in when in work, draw out when in need, earning rights through contributions.

The Guardian - Opinion

I will be returning to this guide frequently and keeping it close to my workstation to give me a point of reference when in need.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When in need of a lubricant for condoms: The oils in petrolatum can destroy rubber, breaking down the condoms and leading to reduced effectiveness.

Columbia University

They take moving across the country, or the globe, in stride, and their friends often turn to them when in need of emotional insight and support.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when in need" to introduce a clause that specifies a condition under which a particular action or state is relevant. For example, "When in need of assistance, don't hesitate to ask a colleague."

Common error

Avoid using "in need" as a standalone noun. Instead of saying "They helped those in need", use "They helped people in need" or "They helped those who were in need".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when in need" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying the main clause by specifying the circumstances under which the action or state described in the main clause occurs. Ludwig AI examples show it expressing a time or situation where something is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when in need" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial clause that establishes a conditional context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its primary function is to specify circumstances under which a particular action or state becomes relevant, and it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for diverse situations. While it's particularly common in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", it is important to avoid misusing "in need" as a standalone noun. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "in times of need" or "if required" to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in times of need

Focuses on the temporal aspect of needing something, emphasizing the period when the need arises.

when necessary

Highlights the condition of something being required under specific circumstances.

if required

More formal and concise, emphasizing the conditional aspect of needing something.

in case of need

Emphasizes preparation for a possible future situation where something might be required.

should the need arise

Formal and hypothetical, suggesting a contingency plan for when something is needed.

if the occasion demands

Highlights that action will be taken only if the situation necessitates.

as required

Indicates something is done according to a need or standard.

on demand

Emphasizes immediacy and availability when something is needed.

if there's a requirement

Directly states the conditional need for something.

when the situation calls for it

Highlights that action is dependent on what the context necessitates.

FAQs

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

You can use "when in need" to introduce a conditional clause, specifying when something is required or necessary. For example, "When in need of support, reach out to your network."

What phrases are similar to "when in need"?

Similar phrases include "in times of need", "if required", or "when necessary". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the condition or situation of requiring something.

Is "when in need" formal or informal?

"When in need" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language can influence the overall formality.

What's the difference between "when in need" and "in need"?

"When in need" introduces a conditional clause, specifying the timing or situation. "In need" describes the state of requiring something, often used to describe people or situations, such as "people in need".