What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
essential
Example
Water is essential for human survival. [essential: adjective]
Example
Good communication is essential for a healthy relationship. [essential: adjective]
necessary
Example
It is necessary to wear a helmet while riding a bike. [necessary: adjective]
Example
I will do whatever is necessary to complete this project on time. [necessary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Necessary is more commonly used than essential in everyday language. Necessary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while essential is less common and tends to be used in more formal or urgent situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between essential and necessary?
Essential is slightly more formal than necessary, but both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
