What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
needed
Example
I needed a new pair of shoes for the wedding. [needed: past tense verb]
Example
The company needed to hire more employees to meet the demand. [needed: past participle adjective]
required
Example
A valid passport is required for international travel. [required: past participle adjective]
Example
The job requires a lot of physical strength and endurance. [requires: present tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Needed is more commonly used than required in everyday language, but required is more frequently used in formal or professional contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between needed and required?
Required is generally considered more formal than needed, and is often used in legal, academic, or professional settings.
