require
B2Formal; common in official, academic, and business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To need or demand something as necessary.
To make something obligatory or to stipulate a condition, often in formal or official contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies necessity or obligation rather than mere desire; often used with inanimate subjects to indicate conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; both varieties use 'require' similarly. Spelling differences may appear in derivatives like 'requirement' (same in both).
Connotations
Slightly more formal in American English in everyday speech, where 'need' is often preferred informally.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both British and American English, but more common in written than spoken language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
require + nounrequire + that-clauserequire + object + to-infinitiverequire + gerundVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as required”
- “if required”
- “where required”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contracts, job descriptions, and specifications, e.g., 'The position requires five years of experience.'
Academic
Common in research papers and guidelines, e.g., 'The methodology requires rigorous data analysis.'
Everyday
Less common in casual speech; often replaced with 'need', e.g., 'Do you require any help?' sounds formal.
Technical
Frequent in manuals and instructions, e.g., 'The device requires regular maintenance.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The regulations require that you submit the form by post.
- This task requires careful planning.
American English
- The regulations require that you submit the form by mail.
- This task requires careful planning.
adjective
British English
- A visa is required for travel to some countries.
- The required colour for the uniform is blue.
American English
- A visa is required for travel to some countries.
- The required color for the uniform is blue.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I require a ticket to enter the museum.
- The recipe requires three apples.
- The school requires students to wear uniforms.
- This job requires good communication skills.
- The new law requires all businesses to recycle waste.
- The experiment requires precise temperature control.
- The treaty requires signatory nations to reduce emissions by 2030.
- Advanced calculus requires a deep understanding of algebra.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'require' as 're-quire' – like needing something urgently or repeatedly.
Conceptual Metaphor
NECESSITY IS A COMMAND or OBLIGATION IS A BURDEN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing with 'требовать' which can mean 'demand', but 'require' emphasizes necessity rather than insistence.
- Mistaking it for 'request' which implies a polite ask, not a necessity.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'require' in informal contexts where 'need' is more appropriate, e.g., 'I require a coffee' (too formal).
- Omitting the object, e.g., 'This situation requires.' (incomplete).
Practice
Quiz
Which word is closest in meaning to 'require' in formal contexts?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Require' is generally formal and is commonly used in official, academic, and business contexts. In everyday speech, 'need' is often preferred.
Yes, for example: 'It is required that all participants arrive on time.' or 'A password is required to access the system.'
'Require' implies necessity due to rules, conditions, or obligations, often in formal settings. 'Need' is more general and can express personal or informal necessities.
In American English, 'require' is pronounced as /rɪˈkwaɪr/, with stress on the second syllable and a clear 'r' sound at the end.