To require something is to make it essential or obligatory for a particular reason.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Something is necessary or mandatory.
- Often due to rules or specific purposes.
- Cannot proceed without it.
Overview
The word 'require' is a common verb used to indicate that something is necessary or mandatory. It signifies a need that must be met, often due to regulations, conditions, or the nature of a task. When something is required, it means you cannot proceed without it, or that it is an essential component.
'Require' is often followed by a noun or a gerund (verb ending in -ing). It can also be used with 'to' + infinitive. For example, 'The job requires experience.' or 'The project requires us to work late.' It can also be used in the passive voice, such as 'A passport is required for international travel.'
You will frequently encounter 'require' in contexts related to rules, instructions, job descriptions, legal documents, and educational settings. For instance, a school might require students to wear uniforms, or a recipe might require specific ingredients. Job advertisements often list the qualifications that an applicant must possess, stating what the position requires.
'Need' is a more general term for something that is necessary for survival or well-being. 'Require' is often stronger and implies a specific obligation or condition. For example, you 'need' water to live, but a specific course might 'require' you to pass a test.
'Demand' suggests a strong request or insistence, often from a person or group. 'Require' is more about necessity or obligation, often imposed by rules or circumstances. A customer might 'demand' a refund, while a law might 'require' a certain safety standard.
'Ask for' is a polite way to request something. 'Require' implies that the thing is not optional. You might 'ask for' help, but a visa application will 'require' certain documents.
Examples
You require a ticket to enter the museum.
everydayNecesitas una entrada para entrar al museo.
The university requires all students to complete a thesis.
academicLa universidad exige a todos los estudiantes completar una tesis.
This software requires a strong internet connection to function properly.
technicalEste software requiere una conexión a internet potente para funcionar correctamente.
Do you require any assistance with your luggage?
service¿Necesita alguna ayuda con su equipaje?
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
What does this require?
¿Qué requiere esto?
It requires effort.
Requiere esfuerzo.
This requires your attention.
Esto requiere tu atención.
Often Confused With
'Request' means to ask for something politely. 'Require' means something is necessary or mandatory, not optional. You might request information, but a form might require your signature.
'Demand' implies a strong insistence or claim, often by a person. 'Require' is more about objective necessity, rules, or conditions. A customer might demand a refund, while a law requires safety features.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
While 'require' can be used in everyday conversation, it often carries a more formal tone, especially when referring to rules or obligations. It's commonly found in instructions, official documents, and job descriptions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'require' with 'request'. Remember that 'require' implies necessity, while 'request' is simply asking. Also, ensure correct grammar: 'This requires X' or 'It requires someone to do Y'.
Tips
Think of it as a condition
When something is required, consider it a condition that must be met for something else to happen.
Don't confuse with 'request'
'Require' means it's necessary, not just something you are asking for politely.
Official language
You'll often see 'require' in official documents, forms, and regulations where clarity about obligations is important.
Word Origin
The word 'require' comes from the Latin 'requirere', meaning 'to seek, ask for, want'. It entered English around the 14th century, initially meaning 'to ask for' but evolving to its current sense of 'to need' or 'to make necessary'.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, clear communication about requirements is crucial for fairness and efficiency, especially in legal, educational, and professional settings. Misunderstanding requirements can lead to significant problems.
Memory Tip
Think of 're-quire'. 'Quire' sounds like 'require', and 're-' suggests something that comes back or is needed again, like a necessary component.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Need' is a general necessity, often for basic survival or function. 'Require' is more specific, implying a condition, rule, or purpose that makes something mandatory.
Yes, you can say someone requires something, like 'The patient requires constant care.' It means the person needs it.
'Require' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often appears in more formal writing like official documents or instructions.
If something is required, you usually cannot complete the task, fulfill the condition, or meet the standard without it. You might face consequences or be unable to proceed.
Test Yourself
This job ______ a minimum of five years of experience.
'Requires' is the best fit because the job has a specific condition or rule about experience.
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'require'?
All sentences correctly show that something is necessary or mandatory in different contexts.
passport / a / you / international / travel / require / for / to
This sentence correctly forms a statement where a passport is a necessary item for international travel.
Score: /3
Summary
To require something is to make it essential or obligatory for a particular reason.
- Something is necessary or mandatory.
- Often due to rules or specific purposes.
- Cannot proceed without it.
Think of it as a condition
When something is required, consider it a condition that must be met for something else to happen.
Don't confuse with 'request'
'Require' means it's necessary, not just something you are asking for politely.
Official language
You'll often see 'require' in official documents, forms, and regulations where clarity about obligations is important.
Examples
4 of 4You require a ticket to enter the museum.
Necesitas una entrada para entrar al museo.
The university requires all students to complete a thesis.
La universidad exige a todos los estudiantes completar una tesis.
This software requires a strong internet connection to function properly.
Este software requiere una conexión a internet potente para funcionar correctamente.
Do you require any assistance with your luggage?
¿Necesita alguna ayuda con su equipaje?
Quick Quiz
The new law ______ all drivers to have car insurance.
Correct!
The correct answer is: requires
Related Content
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
The state or fact of being required or indispensable. It ref...
demandA demand is a strong, firm request for something that is bel...
essentialAbsolutely necessary or extremely important; referring to th...
needTo require something because it is essential or very importa...
obligationAn obligation is something that you must do because of a law...
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