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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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who need access

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "who need access" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be "who needs access" to agree with the singular subject. Example: "We are looking for individuals who need access to the restricted area for their research."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Families who need access to affordable, high-quality day care, and to birth control, and to preventative health care.

News & Media

The New York Times

Remote access servers are utilized by remote users who need access to data and applications that reside on a corporate server.

We plan to received funding to help those who need access the course for little to no fee.

A sponsored guest account is intended for individuals who need access to MIT services to participate in Institute-related work.

Most Fortune 500 companies and government agencies supply the electronic tokens to employees who need access to computer networks from customer offices, hotels or homes.

The couple wanted a garden on wheels that would move to accommodate the window washers, who need access to the terrace.

News & Media

The New York Times

We have an important role to play in working closely with government departments who need access to specialist social science expertise to help inform policy".

News & Media

The Guardian

There are an estimated 215 million women across the world who need access to family planning, in the form of information and regular supplies of contraceptives.

News & Media

The Guardian

It's right in the middle of an area of housing where there are loads of families who need access to all the above quickly and easily.

News & Media

The Guardian

"Our focus is on serving hard-working people throughout the UK who need access to transparent, flexible and short-term credit products".

For those who need access to non-Python dependencies or have already integrated their program into Docker, the second option is to use Singularity containers.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure subject-verb agreement. If referring to multiple individuals, using "those who need access" is grammatically sound. If referring to a single individual, use "who needs access".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase ""who need access"" when referring to a singular subject. The correct form is ""who needs access"". Be mindful of subject-verb agreement to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

3.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""who need access"" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun, typically referring to individuals or entities. However, it is grammatically incorrect in standard English when referring to a singular subject. Ludwig AI confirms that "who needs access" is the correct form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""who need access"" is frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general media. However, it's grammatically incorrect when referring to a singular subject; the correct form is "who needs access". For plural subjects, "those who need access" is appropriate. Ludwig AI indicates that the incorrect usage might stem from a misunderstanding of subject-verb agreement. Alternatives like "who require access" or "who are seeking access" can provide grammatical accuracy. While the phrase is widely encountered, especially in informal and journalistic contexts, being mindful of subject-verb agreement will help maintain clarity and credibility in formal writing.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "who need access"?

No, "who need access" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal English. The correct form, when referring to a singular antecedent, is "who needs access". For a plural antecedent, use "those who need access".

What is the difference between "who need access" and "who needs access"?

"Who need access" is used incorrectly for singular subjects. The correct usage is "who needs access", which maintains subject-verb agreement. The phrase "those who need access" is appropriate when referring to multiple people.

What can I say instead of "who need access"?

Alternatives include "who require access", "who necessitate access", or "who are seeking access". The best option depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

How do I use "who needs access" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure the subject you're referring to is singular. For example: "The employee who needs access to the database should submit a request." If you are referring to multiple people, it is better to rephrase your sentence with "those who need access" instead.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

3.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: