In need means not having enough money, food or other basic things, and needing help. Most often it describes people in a difficult situation: The charity helps families in need. With of, the phrase means “needing something”: The roof is in need of repair. This version sounds more formal than the plain verb need.
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people/families/children + in need; be in need of + noun; help + those in need
- Our company donates part of its profits to families in need every winter.
- After the storm, many homes along the coast were in need of urgent repairs.
- The student union runs a food bank for students in need.
What changed
First versionThe old bridge is in need in serious repairs.
RevisionThe old bridge is in need of serious repairs.
Because the phrase already starts with in, a second in can feel natural. But English introduces the thing that is needed with of: in need of help, in need of repairs. The second in was changed to of.
Needy families means the same as families in need. But about a particular person, needy often has another meaning, “wanting constant attention”: He's a bit needy in relationships. The proverb A friend in need is a friend indeed means that true friends are the ones who help you when you are in trouble.
Your turn
The charity collects warm clothes for families ___ in our city.
Show the answer
in need — Nothing after the gap says what the families need: the sentence is simply about people in difficulty, so in need. In need of needs a continuation, for example in need of food.
Write about a charity campaign you know or have supported. Say who it helps and how exactly, using in need.
Every December our office collects toys and books for children in need at the local hospital.
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