What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
necessitate
Example
The complexity of the project necessitated hiring additional staff. [necessitated: past tense verb]
Example
The new regulations will necessitate changes in our policies. [necessitate: verb]
require
Example
The job requires a high level of attention to detail. [requires: verb]
Example
The company policy requires all employees to attend the safety training. [requires: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Require is more commonly used than necessitate in everyday language. Require is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while necessitate is less common and typically used in more formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between necessitate and require?
Require is more formal than necessitate. It is commonly used in professional or academic settings, while necessitate is more casual and less frequently used in formal contexts.