Need vs. Require

'Need' and 'require' are close in meaning but differ in terms of the factor causing them. This lesson will tell you about their difference.

What is the difference between 'need' and 'require'?

Both 'need' and 'require' can refer to necessary conditions. However, 'need' is often driven by personal desires or circumstances, while 'require' is often influenced by external factors or established rules and conditions.

Personal vs. External Factors

'Need' often relates to internal necessities, requirements, or personal circumstances. It can be driven by an individual's wants, emotional or physical well-being, or personal goals. 'Require', on the other hand, is more commonly associated with external factors, such as rules, regulations, prerequisites, or conditions set by others or by specific situations.

The plant needs sunlight to grow properly.

Here, 'sunlight' in an internal requirement for the plant rather than being imposed by some external factor.

I need to drink some water; I'm feeling dehydrated.

This job requires a high level of expertise and experience.

The course requires students to complete a final project.

Completing a project is not a personal or internal need of students, rather, it is imposed by an external agent.

Grammatical Structure

'Need' can be followed by a noun phrase or a pronoun, or a to-infinitive. 'Require', on the other hand, is often followed by a noun phrase. It can also be followed by an object and a to-infinitive.

They need assistance.

They need to complete the project.

The job requires strong communication skills.

The project requires us to collaborate closely.

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