Guide 169 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “require”
Five verbs with different amounts of force.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Require" is neutral and firm. "Need" is everyday; "demand" is more forceful; "call for" is softer and analytical; "mandate" is formal; "necessitate" is formal and often stylistically heavy.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Need neutral
plain, everyday
We need sign-off from finance.
- 02Demand neutral
strong, urgent call
The situation demands a rapid response.
- 03Call for neutral
softer, analytical
The evidence calls for a tighter policy.
- 04Mandate formal
formal imposition
The policy mandates dual approval above £50k.
- 05Necessitate formal
make unavoidable (often heavy)
The change necessitates a full retest.
Watch out Often better to say "makes X necessary" or "requires X."