What is necessary? Pronunciation and usage in English

necessary means . Learn how to pronounce and use necessary through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of necessary

necessaryadjective

/ˈnɛsɪs(ə)ri/
Definition & pronunciation of necessary

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "necessary." It can be a tricky one for English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "necessary" is actually made up of three syllables:

  • ne (like the beginning of "net")
  • cess (like "cessation" - short "e" sound)
  • ary (like "airy")

2. Phonetic Transcription (for the most accurate sound):

  • /ˈne.sɛ.sɛ.ri/ˈne.sɛ.sɛ.ri/ (This is a standard phonetic transcription. The symbols might look strange, but they represent the sounds.)

3. A More Helpful Breakdown & How to Say It:

  • "ne": Pronounce this like the "ne" in "net." It’s a short, quick sound.
  • "cess": This is the trickiest part. Think of it like saying "cess-a-tion" quickly, but drop the "tion". It’s a short, unstressed "e" sound followed by a hard "s" sound. It's almost like "cess" with a very quick "ah" clipped onto the end. (Some people make it sound a bit like “kiss”)
  • "ary": This sounds like "airy". It's short and open.

Putting it all together, try this:

“Neh-sess-er-ee” (Think of it like saying "net-cess-air-ee")

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the syllables: It’s a word spoken at a moderate pace. Don't drag out each syllable.
  • Avoid a long "a" sound in "cess": Many people say "ne-sas-ary," which is incorrect. It's not a long "a" like in "car."
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. Search for "how to pronounce necessary" on YouTube or use online dictionaries that have audio pronunciations (like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary).

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word necessary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "necessary" effectively in English. It's a common word, but it can be tricky to use correctly.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Necessary" means essential or required. Something that is necessary is vital, needed, or cannot be done without.

2. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are examples illustrating different ways to use "necessary":

  • As an adjective describing something:

    • "Wearing a coat is necessary in cold weather." (The coat is essential in that situation.)
    • "Having a driver's license is necessary to drive a car." (It’s a requirement.)
    • "Water is necessary for survival." (It's absolutely essential.)

  • With "to" + verb (forming a clause):

    • "It is necessary to study hard for the exam." (You must study.)
    • "He needs to finish the report by tomorrow." (It’s a requirement for him.)
    • "She had to apologize for her mistake." (She was obligated to apologize.)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Essential
  • Vital
  • Required
  • Indispensable
  • Crucial
  • Important
  • Needed

4. Key Differences & Nuances:

  • "Necessary" vs. "Important": "Important" simply means significant or deserving of attention. "Necessary" means required – something you must do or have. You can be important without being necessary, and vice-versa.

  • "Necessary" vs. "Required": These are often used interchangeably, but "required" tends to sound a bit more formal and official. Think of "required course" versus "necessary coat."

  • "Necessarily": This is an adverb. It means “necessarily” or “as a result of being necessary.”

    • "The situation is necessarily complex." (Because it's necessary, it’s complex.)
    • “She accepted the offer necessarily.” (She accepted it because it was required.)

5. Common Phrases & Expressions:

  • "It's necessary to..." (Formal)
  • "It’s necessary that..." (More emphatic about a requirement) – “It’s necessary that you be on time.”
  • "It's a necessary evil." (Something unpleasant but unavoidable – often used when describing a difficult choice.)

6. Practice:

Let’s try filling in the blanks:

  1. ___ to contact the police immediately after an accident.
  2. He felt ___ to take a break after working for eight hours.
  3. ___ to have a passport to travel internationally.
  4. It was ___ to apologize to her friend.
  5. ___ that we complete the project by Friday.

Answers:

  1. It's necessary (or It is necessary)
  2. It was necessary
  3. It’s necessary
  4. It's necessary
  5. It’s necessary

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "necessary" in specific contexts (e.g., business, writing, daily conversation)?
  • Create some practice sentences for you to try?
  • Explain more about the difference between "necessary" and other similar words?

Synonyms for the word necessary

Idioms of the word necessary

a necessary evil
a thing that is bad or that you do not like but that you must accept for a particular reason
  • The loss of jobs is regarded as a necessary evil in the fight against inflation.

Practice with vocabulary necessary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure the integrity of the data, a robust encryption protocol is absolutely __________ for secure online transactions.
  2. During the crisis, the swift implementation of new safety measures became __________ to protect public health.
  3. Given the tight project schedule, it is __________ that we finalize the design phase by Friday.
  4. For effective communication across different departments, understanding the team's objectives is __________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Choose all options that correctly answer the question or complete the sentence.

  1. Which of the following terms describes an action that cannot be omitted without detrimental consequences for a specific goal? A. Optional B. Convenient C. Necessary D. Expedient

  2. For a comprehensive market analysis report, it is __________ to gather data from multiple reliable sources. A. advisable B. fundamental C. superfluous D. crucial

  3. In the context of developing a new product, what factors are often considered indispensable for its success? A. Extensive user testing B. Aggressive marketing campaigns C. Clear project milestones D. Unplanned feature additions

  4. Before launching the new website, it is __________ for the legal team to review all terms and conditions thoroughly. A. obligatory B. discretionary C. voluntary D. permissible

  5. Which of the following words can serve as a strong synonym for "essential" in the sentence: "Adequate rest is essential for maintaining good health"? A. Trivial B. Primary C. Vital D. Secondary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions, maintaining its original meaning.

  1. You must obtain a permit before you can begin any major construction work. (Rewrite using a form of "necessary".)

  2. Completing the advanced training module is a requirement for all senior managers. (Rewrite using "necessary".)

  3. It is absolutely vital that all employees adhere strictly to the new security protocols. (Rewrite without using "necessary" or "vital", using a different suitable replacement.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure the integrity of the data, a robust encryption protocol is absolutely necessary for secure online transactions.
  2. During the crisis, the swift implementation of new safety measures became necessary to protect public health.
  3. Given the tight project schedule, it is imperative that we finalize the design phase by Friday.
  4. For effective communication across different departments, understanding the team's objectives is fundamental.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C. Necessary
  2. A. advisable, B. fundamental, D. crucial
  3. A. Extensive user testing, C. Clear project milestones
  4. A. obligatory
  5. C. Vital

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is necessary to obtain a permit before you can begin any major construction work.
  2. It is necessary for all senior managers to complete the advanced training module.
  3. It is crucial that all employees adhere strictly to the new security protocols.

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