When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference in the impact of your message. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “essential” and “necessary.” But are they really the same thing? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use each one.
Let’s define our terms. “Essential” refers to something that is absolutely necessary or crucial. It is something that cannot be done without. “Necessary,” on the other hand, refers to something that is required or needed in order to achieve a certain goal or outcome. It is something that is not optional, but may not be as critical as something that is essential.
So, which one is the proper word to use in a given situation? The answer is that it depends on the context. If something is absolutely crucial and cannot be done without, then “essential” is the appropriate word to use. However, if something is required or needed in order to achieve a certain goal, but may not be critical to the overall outcome, then “necessary” is the better choice.
In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some examples of when to use each of these words and how they can impact the meaning of your writing.
Define Essential
Essential refers to something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable. It is a fundamental requirement without which something cannot exist or function properly. In other words, it is the core element that is crucial for the existence or operation of something. For instance, air is essential for human survival, as we cannot live without it. Similarly, essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals are necessary for the proper functioning of our body.
Define Necessary
Necessary refers to something that is required or needed for a particular purpose or outcome. It is a condition or requirement that must be fulfilled in order to achieve a desired result. Unlike essential, it is not always a fundamental requirement, but rather a prerequisite for a specific goal. For example, having a degree is necessary to apply for certain jobs, but it is not essential for all professions. In essence, necessary is a means to an end, while essential is the end itself.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they can impact the overall message you’re trying to convey. This is especially true when it comes to words that are often used interchangeably, such as “essential” and “necessary”. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Essential” In A Sentence
The word “essential” is often used to describe something that is absolutely necessary or extremely important. Here are a few examples of how to use “essential” in a sentence:
- It is essential that you arrive on time for the meeting.
- Water is essential for human survival.
- Good communication is essential for a healthy relationship.
As you can see, “essential” is used to describe things that are crucial or indispensable. It’s important to note that “essential” is often used in a more subjective sense, meaning that what is essential for one person or situation may not be essential for another.
How To Use “Necessary” In A Sentence
The word “necessary” is also often used to describe something that is required or needed. However, “necessary” is generally used in a more objective sense than “essential”. Here are a few examples of how to use “necessary” in a sentence:
- A valid ID is necessary to enter the building.
- It is necessary to follow the rules in order to maintain safety.
- Training is necessary to become a licensed professional.
As you can see, “necessary” is used to describe things that are required or needed in order to achieve a certain goal or outcome. Unlike “essential”, “necessary” is often used in a more objective sense, meaning that it is required or needed regardless of personal opinion or perspective.
More Examples Of Essential & Necessary Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between the terms ‘essential’ and ‘necessary’, it is important to look at how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Essential In A Sentence
- Water is essential for human survival.
- Good communication is essential in any relationship.
- Having a reliable car is essential for commuting to work.
- Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good health.
- Regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
- Effective time management is essential for success in any profession.
- Learning to read is essential for academic achievement.
- Having access to the internet is essential in today’s digital age.
- Clear and concise writing is essential in business communication.
- Proper training is essential for safety in the workplace.
Examples Of Using Necessary In A Sentence
- It is necessary to drink water in order to stay hydrated.
- Wearing a helmet is necessary for safety when riding a bike.
- Having a valid passport is necessary for international travel.
- Studying is necessary for success in school.
- Following traffic laws is necessary for safe driving.
- Proper hygiene is necessary for good health.
- Having a backup plan is necessary in case of emergencies.
- Providing evidence is necessary to support a claim.
- Obtaining a permit is necessary for certain construction projects.
- Being punctual is necessary for professionalism in the workplace.
By examining these examples, it becomes clear that while the terms ‘essential’ and ‘necessary’ are often used interchangeably, they do have distinct meanings. ‘Essential’ refers to something that is absolutely necessary, while ‘necessary’ simply means that something is required or needed. Understanding the difference between these two terms can help to improve communication and clarity in both written and verbal communication.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “essential” and “necessary,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in the same way.
Common Mistakes
- Using “essential” when “necessary” is the correct word
- Using “necessary” when “essential” is the correct word
- Using “essential” and “necessary” in the same sentence as if they mean the same thing
It’s important to understand the difference between these two words to avoid confusing your readers and conveying the wrong message.
Why They Are Incorrect
The word “essential” refers to something that is absolutely necessary or extremely important. On the other hand, “necessary” means that something is required or needed for a specific purpose.
Using “essential” when “necessary” is the correct word can exaggerate the importance of something and make it seem like it is crucial when it is not. Similarly, using “necessary” when “essential” is the correct word can make something seem like it is only required for a specific purpose when it is actually extremely important.
Using “essential” and “necessary” interchangeably can also cause confusion and misinterpretation of the intended message.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
- Use “essential” when referring to something that is absolutely necessary or extremely important
- Use “necessary” when referring to something that is required or needed for a specific purpose
- Avoid using “essential” and “necessary” in the same sentence unless it is clear that they are being used correctly
By understanding the difference between “essential” and “necessary” and avoiding these common mistakes, you can effectively communicate your message and avoid confusion for your readers.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “essential” and “necessary,” context plays a crucial role. Depending on the situation, the two words can have different connotations and implications. In this section, we will explore how the choice between essential and necessary can depend on the context in which they are used, and provide examples of different contexts and how the choice between the two might change.
Essential Vs. Necessary
Before we dive into the contexts where the choice between essential and necessary matters, let’s first clarify what each word means. Essential refers to something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable, while necessary means something that is required or needed for a particular purpose.
While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between them. Essential implies that something is critical or vital, while necessary implies that something is required or obligatory. Understanding these nuances is essential (no pun intended) when it comes to choosing the right word for the context.
Contextual Examples
Let’s take a look at some different contexts where the choice between essential and necessary might change:
Medical Treatment
In the context of medical treatment, the word essential might be used to describe a life-saving procedure or medication. For example, a heart transplant could be considered essential for someone with a failing heart. On the other hand, necessary might be used to describe a routine check-up or a non-life-threatening procedure. For instance, a dental cleaning is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene, but it is not essential to one’s survival.
Business Operations
In the context of business operations, essential might be used to describe a core function or product that is critical to the success of the company. For example, a software company might consider its flagship product to be essential to its business. Necessary, on the other hand, might be used to describe a peripheral function or product that is required but not critical. For instance, a company might consider it necessary to have a social media presence, but it is not essential to its core business.
Everyday Life
In everyday life, the choice between essential and necessary might depend on the situation. For example, food and water are essential to our survival, while a luxury item like a designer handbag is not. However, in the context of a fashion industry event, a designer handbag might be considered essential to one’s professional image. In this case, the word essential takes on a different meaning.
Overall, understanding the context in which the words essential and necessary are used is crucial to choosing the right word for the situation. While the two words are often used interchangeably, they have subtle differences that can make a big impact on the meaning of a sentence or phrase.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the usage of essential and necessary may seem straightforward, there are certain exceptions to the rules that must be considered. In some cases, the context of the sentence may require the use of one word over the other, even if it goes against the general guidelines.
Exceptions For Essential
One exception to the rule for using essential is when referring to something as being indispensable or crucial to a particular task or function. In this case, the word necessary may not fully convey the level of importance that essential implies. For example:
- It is essential that you have a valid passport to travel internationally.
- While a good education is necessary, it is not always essential for success.
Another exception for essential is when it is used to describe a characteristic or quality of a person or thing. In this context, essential implies an inherent or fundamental nature that is necessary for the person or thing to be what it is. For example:
- Patience is an essential quality for a teacher to have.
- Water is an essential component of life.
Exceptions For Necessary
Similarly, there are exceptions to the rule for using necessary. One such exception is when describing something that is required by law or regulation. In this case, necessary is the appropriate word to use, as it implies a legal obligation or requirement. For example:
- It is necessary to wear a seatbelt while driving.
- Proof of identification is necessary to open a bank account.
Another exception for necessary is when describing something that is required for a specific purpose or outcome. In this context, necessary implies a condition or requirement that must be met in order for the desired result to be achieved. For example:
- Proper nutrition is necessary for good health.
- Effective communication is necessary for a successful relationship.
It is important to note that while these exceptions may seem like deviations from the general rules for using essential and necessary, they are still valid uses of the words in their respective contexts. As with any language, context is key, and it is important to consider the specific situation when choosing between essential and necessary.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of essential and necessary is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either essential or necessary:
- It is ________ to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
- Water is ________ for human survival.
- Having a good night’s sleep is ________ for your health.
- It is ________ to have a valid passport when traveling internationally.
- Studying is ________ if you want to do well on the exam.
Answer Key:
- essential
- necessary
- essential
- necessary
- necessary
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences with either essential or necessary:
- It is ________ to have a first aid kit in your car in case of an emergency.
- Good communication skills are ________ for a successful career.
- It is ________ to read the instructions before assembling the furniture.
- Having a positive attitude is ________ for a happy life.
- It is ________ to have a backup plan in case the first one fails.
Answer Key:
- essential
- necessary
- essential
- essential
- necessary
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of essential and necessary in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between essential and necessary is crucial for effective communication. Essential refers to something that is absolutely necessary, while necessary refers to something that is required for a specific purpose or situation.
Using these terms correctly can help you convey your message with clarity and precision. It is important to note that context plays a significant role in determining which term to use.
Additionally, mastering grammar and language use is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and practice. By investing time and effort into improving your language skills, you can become a more effective communicator and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional life.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.