on a needs basis or on a need basis (2024)

Hi,

I wonder it is "on a needs basis" or "on a need basis". Thank you in advance.

Hello sweetcrayon.

Do you have a sentence in which you might use these? (We need a complete sentence with every question.)

Ok, sentence like this:

After the email course is finished, you will be offered one-on-one coaching in a needs basis.

what about :

Coaching will be offered in a need basis.　I am trying to say we dont offer coaching for everyone, but for the ones we think it is necessary. I saw someone use "on a needs(or need) basis". I would like to know which one is correct. Thanks.

We do use the phrase "on an as-needed basis". This suggests that from time to time you will offer coaching if it seems necessary. However, if coaching does not seem necessary, you will not offer it.

You also could say "coaching will be offered as needed". It means the same thing, but is less stiff. (I like it better.)

As you can tell, sweetcrayon, many people don't like the phrase, but I will say that I have encountered it. It does not occur in BNC* but there are four occurrences of on a need basis in COCA.**

Meetings were scheduled either on a monthly or on a need basis.
These individuals were assigned on a need basis for observation in the school settings.
" They think friendship can be dispensed on a need basis? Like food and clothing? " Reid was saying
I work on a need basis with these guys because I have to because of the lower rank that I hold

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There is also the phrase on a need-to-know basis, but that is to do with giving out information based on whether the other party needs that information. (Therefore this is different.)

*British National Corpus
**Corpus of Contemporary AmericanEnglish

I was surprised earlier not to find 'on a needs basis' which I have definitely encountered. I have since also done a search of this, and it does turn up in some reputable sites:

The criteria are the proven needs of the applicant and their academic calibre and all grants are offered on a needs basis. (Oxford University)
Providing Assistance for Mathematics Students on a Needs Basis (Academic Paper)
We take your privacy very seriously, so only secured administrative staff will be allowed access to your account on a 'needs' basis. (Company website)

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I have done more scouting around because I am intrigued.

If you look at the ngram viewer for 'on a needs basis, on a need basis', you get interesting results:
(a) for English (regardless of variety), it looks as if 'on a needs basis' was more frequent initially (say, 1940), but now it is neck-and-neck with 'on a need basis'
(b) for American English, it looks as if 'on a need basis' has become more frequent
(c) for British English, ONLY 'on a needs basis' is used.

So the difference is regional!

Can I suggest that you avoid

phrases with the structure: on a xxxxx basis. This is bad English style!

On a need(s) basis = as needed.
On a weekly basis = weekly.
On a daily basis = daily.
Etc.

Just because some people use it on reputable sites doesn't make it any better.

sweetcrayon said:

Hi,

I wonder it is "on a needs basis" or "on a need basis". Thank you in advance.

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Either is correct. "On a need basis" is totally fine. Many scholarly books from reputable university presses use those phrases. Don't listen to those who personally don't like the phrase.