- Do you often feel unsure whether to say “need” or “require” in a formal context?
- Struggling to find the right words that naturally pair with “require” or “requirement”?
- Worried that your English collocations sound awkward or unnatural to native speakers?
Mastering collocations isn’t just about memorizing words; it’s about unlocking natural-sounding English. By learning which words “love” to go together, you’ll boost your fluency, enhance your comprehension, and communicate with greater confidence, especially with a versatile word like “require.” This guide will help you navigate its many uses like a pro.
Common Collocations with REQUIRE as a Verb
As a verb, require means to need something, to make something necessary, or to demand something. It’s often used in formal or official contexts.
Adverb + REQUIRE
These adverbs intensify or qualify the nature of the requirement, indicating how or to what extent something is needed.
- urgently require: to need something immediately and with great importance.
Example: The patient will urgently require specialized medical attention.
- strictly require: to demand something without any exceptions or flexibility.
Example: Our company policies strictly require all employees to sign a confidentiality agreement.
- strongly require: to indicate a high degree of necessity or a firm recommendation.
Example: The new software will strongly require a significant system upgrade for optimal performance.
- simply require: to indicate a straightforward or minimal need.
Example: This task will simply require a few hours of focused effort.
- may/will/would require: common modal verbs indicating possibility, certainty, or conditionality of a need.
Example: Completing the project may require additional resources. This process will require careful consideration. To succeed, you would require consistent practice.
REQUIRE + Noun (Object)
Here, ‘require’ takes a noun as its direct object, indicating what specific thing or quality is needed or demanded.
- require attention: to need someone to notice, deal with, or care for something.
Example: The broken machine will require attention from a qualified technician.
- require effort: to need hard work, dedication, or concentration.
Example: Achieving fluency in English will require consistent effort and daily practice.
- require time: to need a certain duration or period for completion.
Example: The complex research report will require significant time to analyze thoroughly.
- require knowledge/skill/experience: to need specific expertise, ability, or background.
Example: The advanced programming role will require extensive knowledge of Python. This delicate procedure will require exceptional skill. Many senior roles require years of experience.
- require approval/permission: to need formal consent or authorization.
Example: Any changes to the original plan will require prior approval from the management. You will require permission to access the restricted area.
- require changes/modifications: to need alterations or revisions.
Example: The initial draft will require several changes before it is ready for publication.
- require resources/funding: to need materials, money, or support for a project or initiative.
Example: The new initiative will require substantial resources to get off the ground. Building the community center will require significant funding.
REQUIRE + Infinitive (to do something)
‘Require’ can also be followed by an infinitive, indicating an action that needs to be performed, often by a specific person or entity.
- require someone to do something: to make it necessary for someone to perform an action.
Example: The university regulations require students to submit their assignments by Friday.
- require to complete/pass/provide: specific actions that are necessary.
Example: The course requires candidates to complete a final project. You are required to pass a written exam. All applicants are required to provide two professional references.
REQUIRE + ‘that’ Clause (Subjunctive)
In formal contexts, ‘require’ can be followed by a ‘that’ clause, often using the subjunctive mood (the base form of the verb) for the action, particularly in American English, to express a command or necessity.
- require that (someone) do something: to officially state that something must happen.
Example: The law requires that every driver wear a seatbelt. (Note: “wear,” not “wears”)
- require that (something) be done: to demand a certain state or action be performed.
Example: For safety, the policy requires that all equipment be checked daily. (Note: “be checked,” not “is checked”)
Essential Collocations using REQUIREMENT as a Noun
The noun form, requirement, refers to something that is needed, demanded, or made necessary. It’s incredibly useful for discussing rules, standards, and prerequisites.
Adjective + REQUIREMENT
These adjectives specify the nature or type of the demand, indicating its importance, origin, or degree.
- strict requirement: a demand that must be met exactly, without compromise.
Example: Adherence to the safety protocols is a strict requirement in this laboratory.
- essential/mandatory requirement: something absolutely necessary or obligatory.
Example: A valid passport is an essential requirement for international travel. Attendance at the orientation is a mandatory requirement for all new employees.
- legal requirement: a demand set by law or regulation.
Example: Obtaining a building permit is a legal requirement before starting any construction.
- basic/minimum requirement: the least amount or standard needed.
Example: A high school diploma is often a basic requirement for entry-level jobs. You must meet the minimum requirements to be considered for the scholarship.
- prerequisite requirement: something needed before something else can happen or be accessed.
Example: Completion of Calculus I is a prerequisite requirement for enrolling in Calculus II.
- specific requirement: a detailed, particular, or unique need.
Example: Please list any specific requirements you have for the software customization.
Verb + REQUIREMENT
These verbs describe actions related to meeting, setting, or dealing with requirements.
- meet/fulfill/satisfy a requirement: to successfully do what is needed or expected.
Example: We need to ensure we meet all the requirements of the new regulation. Did you fulfill the requirements for graduation? The software successfully satisfies the client’s requirements.
- comply with a requirement: to obey or follow a demand, especially a legal or official one.
Example: Businesses must comply with all legal requirements regarding data privacy.
- impose a requirement: to set or enforce a demand.
Example: The government decided to impose new requirements on environmental protection.
- set requirements: to establish what is needed or expected for a particular purpose.
Example: The project manager will set the requirements for the next phase of development.
- waive a requirement: to officially choose not to enforce a demand, often in special circumstances.
Example: In exceptional circumstances, the committee may waive certain requirements for admission.
Noun + REQUIREMENT (Compound Nouns/Phrases)
These are common pairings where a noun specifies the context or domain to which the requirement applies.
- job requirements: the qualifications, duties, and conditions needed for a particular job.
Example: Make sure your resume clearly addresses all the job requirements listed in the advertisement.
- system requirements: the technical specifications (hardware, software) needed for a program or device to run.
Example: Always check the system requirements before installing new software on your computer.
- visa requirements: the conditions and documents needed to obtain a visa for travel.
Example: Always check the latest visa requirements for your destination country well in advance.
- entry requirements: the conditions needed to gain access to a place, course, or program.
Example: The university has specific entry requirements for its master’s programs.
Master Summary Table: Essential Collocations with REQUIRE/REQUIREMENT
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| urgently require | Adverb + Verb | To need immediately |
| require attention | Verb + Noun | To need observation or care |
| require effort | Verb + Noun | To need hard work or dedication |
| require (someone) to submit | Verb + Infinitive | To make it necessary for someone to submit |
| require that (X) be done | Verb + Clause | To demand X happens (using subjunctive) |
| strict requirement | Adjective + Noun | A demand that must be met exactly |
| essential requirement | Adjective + Noun | Something absolutely necessary |
| meet a requirement | Verb + Noun | To successfully fulfill a demand |
| comply with a requirement | Verb + Noun | To obey or follow a demand |
| job requirements | Noun + Noun (Compound) | Qualifications and duties for a job |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Avoid common pitfalls by understanding how native speakers use ‘require’ and ‘requirement’ naturally in modern English. Focus on the typical pairings to sound more fluent.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| The problem needs attention. (Informal/less formal for a formal context) | The problem requires attention. |
| It needs much effort to achieve. (Less formal, or ‘much’ sounds less natural) | It will require considerable effort to achieve. |
| You must fulfill the conditions. | You must fulfill the requirements. / You must meet the requirements. |
| The rules need you to wear a helmet. | The rules require you to wear a helmet. |
| This is a very strict need. | This is a strict requirement. |
| We require that he submits the report. (Incorrect use of subjunctive in formal context) | We require that he submit the report. |
| Highly required (Less natural phrasing) | Strongly required / An essential requirement / Mandatory |
Subject: Project Update – Upcoming Deadline
Hi Team,
Just a quick update on the ‘Phoenix’ project. The client feedback indicates that the final presentation will urgently require significant changes to incorporate their new branding guidelines. This task will require collaborative effort from both the design and marketing teams. The project regulations require that all final documents be submitted by next Tuesday. Please review the updated brief; it outlines the specific requirements for the revised content. We must ensure we meet all the requirements to avoid any delays. If you have any questions, please let me know. Your prompt attention is appreciated as this phase will require careful consideration.
Best regards,
Alex
Frequently Asked Questions about Require Collocations
What is the difference between “require” and “need”?
While both words express necessity, “require” is generally more formal and often implies an official rule, regulation, or a strong imperative. “Need” is more common in everyday speech and can refer to a personal desire or a general necessity without the same formal implication. For example, “I need coffee” (personal desire) vs. “The permit requires a signature” (formal rule/process).
Can “require” be followed by a gerund (-ing form)?
Yes, but typically only when the subject of ‘require’ is an inanimate object or a situation, and the meaning is passive, meaning ‘to need doing’. For example, “This report requires editing” (meaning it needs to be edited). However, when a person is the subject of the action, the infinitive is almost always used: “We require you to edit this report.” Avoid using a gerund when expressing a formal demand for a person to perform an action.
When should I use the subjunctive with “require that”?
You should use the subjunctive (the base form of the verb without “to,” “s” for third person singular, or “ed” for past tense) after “require that” in formal contexts, especially in American English. For example, “The law requires that he pay the fine” (not “pays”). In British English, “should” is often used in such constructions: “The law requires that he should pay the fine,” or simply an infinitive with ‘for’: “The law requires him to pay the fine.”
What prepositions typically follow “requirement”?
Common prepositions that follow “requirement” include “for,” “of,” and sometimes “on.” For instance, “the requirements for the job” (purpose), “the requirements of the project” (belonging/characteristic), or “new requirements on businesses” (impact/burden). The choice often depends on the specific relationship between the requirement and the following noun.
Is “highly required” a natural collocation?
While understandable, “highly required” is less common and sounds a bit less natural than alternatives in modern English. More natural collocations would be “strongly required,” “urgently required,” or to use an adjective with the noun form, such as “an essential requirement” or a “mandatory requirement.” “Highly” usually pairs more naturally with verbs expressing evaluation or quality, e.g., “highly recommended,” “highly valued.”
Is 'absolutely require' also a strong collocation? Or does 'strongly require' already cover that level of intensity?
That's a very insightful question, Nina! 'Absolutely require' is indeed a strong and valid collocation, adding an even greater emphasis than 'strongly require.' While 'strongly require' indicates a high degree of necessity, 'absolutely require' leaves no room for doubt or negotiation, implying an indispensable need. Both are correct, but 'absolutely' heightens the intensity further. You're developing a great ear for nuance!
This was super useful! Could you do a similar article for other formal verbs that often confuse learners, like 'demand' or 'stipulate'? I'd love to see collocations for those too!
Thank you for the excellent suggestion, Oscar! We're always looking for new topics that address common learner challenges. 'Demand' and 'stipulate' are indeed great candidates for future collocation guides, as they also carry specific formal connotations and pairing patterns. We'll definitely consider these for upcoming articles on Translateen.com. Your input helps us create content that truly benefits our global community!
In my language, we use a very direct verb for 'need' in almost all situations, without much distinction in formality. This formality of 'require' is something I really need to practice to sound more natural and appropriate in English.
Does the stress change in 'require' when it's used with different adverbs, or is it always 're-QUIRE'? I sometimes struggle with pronunciation variations.
That's a fantastic observation, Kenji, and a great question for enhancing your spoken English! Generally, the stress on 'require' remains on the second syllable: 're-QUIRE,' regardless of the preceding adverb. The adverb itself might receive stronger stress to emphasize the nature of the requirement (e.g., 'URGENTLY require'), but 'require' itself tends to keep its inherent stress pattern. Focus on pronouncing the adverb clearly, and then 're-QUIRE' naturally after it. Keep paying attention to these details – they make a big difference!
The idea of words 'loving' to go together is a great way to think about collocations! It makes it less like memorizing a dictionary and more like learning natural patterns.
I often get confused with 'require *to do* something' vs. 'require *doing* something.' Are both grammatically correct depending on context, or is one more common?
That's a common area of confusion, David! Both are grammatically correct but used in slightly different structures. 'Require to do something' is typically used when the subject of 'require' is the one *doing* the action, often with a passive implication: 'You are required to submit the form.' 'Require doing something' (or more commonly, 'require + gerund') is used when the action itself is what is needed, often without specifying who does it: 'This project will require extensive research.' Think of it as 'X requires Y' versus 'X is required to do Y.' Keep up the great analytical thinking!
What about 'legally require'? Is that a very common and strong collocation? I see it often in official documents.
You've hit on a very common and powerful collocation, Anya! 'Legally require' is indeed a strong and widely used pairing, especially in legal, administrative, and policy documents. It signifies that something is mandated by law or regulation. For example: 'The company is legally required to provide annual financial reports.' It's an excellent phrase to add to your formal vocabulary!
Another fantastic article! Translateen always breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand chunks. Keep them coming!
I once said 'I require a coffee' and my native English friend laughed. Now I completely understand why! So, 'require' isn't for everyday desires, right? This article has saved me from future awkward moments!
Haha, Sophie, that's a classic learning experience! You've perfectly grasped the point: 'require' is generally not for everyday, personal desires like coffee. 'I need a coffee' is the natural, informal choice. Your friend's reaction, though perhaps embarrassing at the time, was a valuable lesson that many learners go through. We're glad we could clarify it for you now and prevent future linguistic mishaps!
The 'urgently require' example was very clear. Could we have one more for 'strongly require' perhaps in a different context, like a business recommendation? I'm trying to improve my professional writing.