Word Choice – ‘Need Of’ vs. ‘Need For’: Correct Usage

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Is "need of religion" grammatically incorrect as opposed to "need for religion"?

Or "need of salt" vs. "need for salt"?

Best Answer

With "of":

  • have need of: This is very formal usage, though, as simply using "need" would suffice

    They had need of shelter.

  • in need of: This is more commonly used in everyday English

    I am in need of clothing.

With "for":

  • need for:
    There is [a] need for discipline in the classroom.
    Using the article "a" in the above example would be superfluous but it may emphasize that specific need. With a qualifier, the article becomes useful, although it can also be done away with, as in:
    There is [an] urgent need for discipline in the classroom.
  • have a need for:
    I have a need for food.
    This usage is awkward, at best, but it is not grammatically incorrect. However, it is more commonly used in the negative
    I have no need for spiritual enlightenment.
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