Needs vs Necessity: Which Should You Use In Writing?

When it comes to the English language, choosing the right word is essential. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “needs” and “necessity.” However, there are distinct differences between the two that should be understood in order to communicate effectively.

Needs refer to the things that are required for survival or to meet basic human requirements. These can include food, water, shelter, and clothing. On the other hand, necessity refers to something that is essential or indispensable, but may not be directly related to survival. For example, a car may be a necessity for someone who lives in a rural area with limited public transportation options, but it is not a need.

While needs and necessities can overlap, it is important to understand the distinction between the two when communicating. By using the appropriate word, you can convey your message more clearly and effectively.

Define Needs

Needs are the basic requirements for survival and well-being. They are the things that are essential for an individual to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Needs can be categorized into physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs.

• Physiological needs include food, water, shelter, and clothing.
• Safety needs include personal security, financial security, and health and well-being.
• Love and belonging needs include social interaction, companionship, and a sense of community.
• Esteem needs include self-esteem, achievement, respect, and recognition.
• Self-actualization needs include personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the realization of one’s full potential.

Define Necessity

Necessity refers to something that is indispensable, unavoidable, or required to achieve a specific goal or objective. It is something that is essential for a particular purpose or outcome. Necessity can be categorized into two types: absolute necessity and relative necessity.

• Absolute necessity refers to something that is essential and cannot be done without. For example, air is an absolute necessity for human survival.
• Relative necessity refers to something that is required or needed to achieve a particular goal or outcome, but is not essential for survival. For example, a car may be a relative necessity for someone who needs to commute to work.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words “needs” and “necessity” in a sentence, it’s important to understand their subtle differences in meaning. While both words refer to something that is required or essential, they are used in slightly different contexts. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Needs” In A Sentence

“Needs” is a noun that refers to the things that are required or necessary for a person to live a healthy and fulfilling life. It can also refer to things that are required for a particular task or goal. Here are some examples of how to use “needs” in a sentence:

• She has basic needs such as food, water, and shelter.
• The company has identified the needs of its customers and is working to meet them.
• He needs to finish his homework before he can go outside and play.

As you can see, “needs” is used to refer to the essential things that are required for a person or task.

How To Use “Necessity” In A Sentence

“Necessity” is a noun that refers to something that is required or essential. It can also refer to the state of being necessary. Here are some examples of how to use “necessity” in a sentence:

• It is a necessity to wear a seatbelt while driving.
• The company realized the necessity of expanding its product line.
• He understood the necessity of studying hard to get into a good college.

As you can see, “necessity” is used to refer to something that is required or essential, as well as the state of being necessary.

More Examples Of Needs & Necessity Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between needs and necessity, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Needs In A Sentence

• She needs to finish her homework before she can go out with her friends.
• I need to drink some water because I am feeling dehydrated.
• They need to hire more employees to keep up with the demand.
• He needs to exercise regularly to maintain his health.
• We need to save money for our future.
• She needs to learn how to cook if she wants to live alone.
• He needs to apologize for his behavior yesterday.
• They need to study hard if they want to pass the exam.
• We need to take care of our environment to ensure a sustainable future.
• She needs to buy a new phone because her old one is broken.

Examples Of Using Necessity In A Sentence

• It is a necessity to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
• Having a good education is a necessity in today’s competitive world.
• It is a necessity to have a valid passport to travel abroad.
• Having a balanced diet is a necessity for a healthy lifestyle.
• It is a necessity to have a fire extinguisher in every building.
• Having a good credit score is a necessity to get a loan.
• It is a necessity to have clean water for drinking and cooking.
• Having a first aid kit is a necessity in case of emergencies.
• It is a necessity to follow traffic rules to avoid accidents.
• Having a job is a necessity to pay bills and support oneself.

These examples demonstrate how needs and necessity are used in different contexts. While needs refer to things that are required or desired, necessity refers to things that are essential or mandatory. Understanding the difference between these two terms can help us prioritize our actions and make informed decisions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “needs” and “necessity,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, there is a distinct difference between the two, and it is important to use them correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Common Mistakes:

• Using “needs” and “necessity” interchangeably
• Assuming that something that is a necessity is also a need
• Assuming that something that is a need is also a necessity
• Using “necessity” when referring to a want or desire

It is important to understand the difference between needs and necessities. Needs are things that are required for survival, such as food, water, and shelter. Necessities, on the other hand, are things that are required to achieve a particular goal or objective. For example, a laptop may be a necessity for a college student, but it is not a need for survival.

Using “needs” and “necessity” interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For example, if someone says “I need a new car,” it may be interpreted as a necessity, when in reality, it is a want or desire. Similarly, if someone says “I have a necessity for a new car,” it may be interpreted as a need, when in reality, it is not required for survival.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes:

1. Take the time to understand the difference between needs and necessities
2. Think carefully about the words you use to describe your wants and desires
3. Be clear and specific about what you mean when using the words “needs” and “necessity”
4. Use other words, such as “want” or “desire,” when referring to things that are not needs or necessities

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using the words “needs” and “necessity” correctly, and avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between needs and necessity, context matters. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some different contexts and how the choice between needs and necessity might change.

Personal Finance

In personal finance, needs and necessity are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference. Needs refer to the basic requirements for survival such as food, shelter, and clothing. Necessity, on the other hand, refers to something that is essential or indispensable.

For example, a person may need a car to get to work, but a luxury car is not a necessity. In this context, the choice between needs and necessity is based on the individual’s financial situation and priorities.

Business Strategy

In business strategy, the choice between needs and necessity can have a significant impact on the success of the organization. Needs refer to the essential elements required to operate the business, such as employees, equipment, and inventory. Necessity, on the other hand, refers to something that is crucial for achieving the organization’s goals.

For example, a business may need to invest in new technology to remain competitive, but it may not be a necessity if the organization’s goals can be achieved without it. In this context, the choice between needs and necessity is based on the organization’s strategic objectives and available resources.

Philosophy

In philosophy, needs and necessity are often used to explore the nature of human existence. Needs refer to the basic requirements for survival, while necessity refers to something that is required for a particular outcome.

For example, a person may need food to survive, but it is not necessary for them to be happy. In this context, the choice between needs and necessity is based on the individual’s values and beliefs.

As we can see, the choice between needs and necessity can depend on the context in which they are used. Whether it is in personal finance, business strategy, or philosophy, the decision between needs and necessity can have a significant impact on the outcome. It is important to carefully consider the context and make an informed choice based on the situation at hand.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of “needs” and “necessity” can be quite straightforward, there are some exceptions where the rules may not apply. Let’s take a closer look at some of these exceptions:

1. Emphasis

Sometimes, the use of “needs” or “necessity” may be used for emphasis rather than to convey a literal meaning. For example:

• “I need a vacation!” – This does not mean that the person’s survival depends on the vacation, but rather that they strongly desire one.
• “It is a necessity that we win this game.” – Winning the game may not be an actual necessity for survival, but rather a strong desire or goal.

2. Sarcasm Or Irony

Similar to emphasis, “needs” and “necessity” can also be used sarcastically or ironically. For example:

• “Oh, I really need a million dollars right now.” – This is obviously not a literal need, but rather an expression of the person’s desire for wealth.
• “It’s an absolute necessity that I have a new designer handbag.” – The use of “necessity” here is clearly not a literal one, but rather a statement of the person’s desire for luxury items.

3. Cultural Or Regional Differences

Depending on the culture or region, the usage of “needs” and “necessity” can vary. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered impolite or inappropriate to use the word “need” in certain situations. In other regions, “necessity” may be used more frequently in everyday conversation. It is important to be aware of these cultural and regional differences when communicating with people from different backgrounds.

Overall, while the rules for using “needs” and “necessity” may seem straightforward, there are exceptions where the literal meanings may not apply. By understanding these exceptions and nuances, we can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Practice Exercises

One of the most effective ways to improve one’s understanding of a concept is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help readers improve their understanding and use of needs and necessity in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word (needs or necessity) to complete the sentence:

1.	Food and water are basic human ________.
2.	He ________ to finish his work before he can go home.
3.	It is a ________ for her to exercise every morning.
4.	He ________ a new car because his old one broke down.
5.	Education is a ________ for success in today’s world.

Answer key:

1.	needs
2.	needs
3.	necessity
4.	needs
5.	necessity

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (needs or necessity) to complete the sentence:

1. ________ is the mother of invention.
2. He ________ to take a break from work.
3. ________ is the key to happiness.
4. She ________ to buy a new dress for the party.
5. ________ is the spice of life.

Answer key:

1. necessity
2. needs
3. contentment
4. needs
5. Variety

These practice exercises can help readers improve their understanding and use of needs and necessity in sentences. By mastering the use of these words, readers can communicate more effectively and accurately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between needs and necessity is crucial for effective communication. Needs are essential for survival and growth, while necessity refers to something that is required for a specific purpose or situation.

Throughout this article, we have explored the nuances of these two terms, and how they impact our language use. We have learned that needs are subjective and can vary from person to person, while necessity is objective and often determined by external factors.

It is important to note that the use of these terms can also have different connotations in different contexts. For example, in marketing, needs are often used to create a sense of urgency, while necessity is used to emphasize the importance of a product or service.

As writers and communicators, it is our responsibility to use language effectively and accurately. By understanding the distinction between needs and necessity, we can avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Key Takeaways:

• Needs refer to essential requirements for survival and growth.
• Necessity refers to something that is required for a specific purpose or situation.
• The use of these terms can have different connotations in different contexts.
• Understanding the difference between needs and necessity is crucial for effective communication.

Lastly, I encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use. The English language is complex and constantly evolving, and there is always more to discover and explore.