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Ant_222 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
There is ?a? great need for...
Hello all!
I have seen this phrase many times, and still cannot understand why sometimes it is used with an indefinite article before "great need" and sometimes without it. Are both usages correct? Is there any difference in meaning?
Thanks in advance,
Anton
I have seen this phrase many times, and still cannot understand why sometimes it is used with an indefinite article before "great need" and sometimes without it. Are both usages correct? Is there any difference in meaning?
Thanks in advance,
Anton
Top answer
" I need a hammer. I have need of/for a hammer. I have a need for a hammer.
- " I need a hammer.
- I have need of/for a hammer.
- I have a need for a hammer.
- I have the need of a hammer.
- Without the article, it has the flavor of a much older usage, need = lack = want For want of a shoe, the race was lost, or something like that.
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3 Answers
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Both are used, but I think these days the countable version is more common - also without the "great."
I need a hammer.
I have need of/for a hammer.
I have a need for a hammer.
I have the need of a hammer.
Without the article, it has the flavor of a much older usage, need = lack = want For want of a shoe, the race was lost, or something like that.
I need a hammer.
I have need of/for a hammer.
I have a need for a hammer.
I have the need of a hammer.
Without the article, it has the flavor of a much older usage, need = lack = want For want of a shoe, the race was lost, or something like that.
00
Ant_222sometimes it is used with an indefinite article before "great need" and sometimes without it. Are both usages correct?Yes, and the meaning is the same.
CJ
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