"was necessary" vs "was required"

Question

"was necessary" vs "was required"

Both "was required" and "was necessary" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Was required" is used when something needed to be done due to an obligation or a rule, while "was necessary" is used to indicate that something was needed or essential. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use "was necessary" when emphasizing that something was required for a particular purpose or outcome, highlighting its importance or essential nature.

Examples:

Patience was necessary to complete the task.
Rest was necessary after a long day of work.
Clear communication was necessary for the project to succeed.
Understanding the basics of math was necessary for the advanced course.
Teamwork was necessary to achieve the goal.

Alternatives:

was essential
was vital
was crucial

Use "was required" when referring to something that needed to be done because it was mandatory or necessary according to a specific requirement or instruction.

Examples:

A minimum of two years of experience was required for the job.
A deposit was required to secure the booking.
A permit was required to enter the restricted area.
A valid ID was required to access the building.
Specific qualifications were required for the scholarship.

Alternatives:

was mandatory
was obligatory
was needed

Answer 1

was necessary

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something was needed or essential.

Answer 2

was required

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something needed to be done due to an obligation or a rule.

"was necessary" vs "was required"

was necessary

was required

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