Require in English: Definition, Grammar Rules, and Usage

The verb “require” is widely used in English, especially in academic and formal contexts. This guide explains its meaning, common grammar patterns, and differences from similar words. You will also find exam-focused examples and practice exercises with answers.

I. What is Require in English?

The verb “require” is widely used in English to express the concept of need or necessity, and often appears in formal, academic, or legal contexts. It usually implies that something is essential or must be done according to a rule, condition, or standard.

Definition from Major English Dictionaries

• Cambridge Dictionary: To need something, or to make something necessary.
• Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: To need something; to depend on something.
• Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English: If something requires something else, that thing is necessary for it.

While the phrasing may vary slightly, all definitions point to the core meaning: to express necessity or obligation.

In simpler terms, "require" means that someone or something needs something in order to function, succeed, or meet a rule or condition.

• Example 1 (basic necessity): Plants require water to grow.
• Example 2 (rule or regulation): Drivers are required to carry a valid license.

Formal vs Informal Usage

• In formal writing, such as reports, essays, regulations, and academic tasks, “require” is preferred for its precision and clarity.
• In informal speech or writing, it is more natural to use verbs like “need” unless the style calls for formality.

Understanding the formality and meaning of “require” helps learners avoid misusing the word and prepares them to apply it properly in grammar, writing, and exams.

1. The usage of Require in English

The verb “require” follows several specific grammar patterns depending on how it functions in the sentence. It is most commonly used in formal language when expressing necessity, rules, or obligations. Below are the key usage forms and notes on how to apply them correctly.

Common Verb Patterns

1. Require + noun
   Used when stating a direct need for something.
   Example: The job requires a university degree.
2. Require + to-infinitive (require someone to do something)
   Indicates that someone is expected or obligated to perform an action.
   Example: The company requires employees to wear uniforms.
3. Require + that + subject + verb (subjunctive form)
   Often used in formal or academic writing. The verb remains in its base form even in the third person.
   Example: The policy requires that every applicant submit proof of identity.

These structures are common in essays, academic reports, regulations, and business communication.

Active vs. Passive Voice Use

1. Active voice
   Used when identifying who performs the action.
   Example: The law requires drivers to carry insurance.
2. Passive voice
   Used to emphasize the person or group being affected. Common in academic and formal writing to maintain an objective tone.
   Example: Drivers are required to carry insurance.
3. When to use passive voice
   When the doer is unknown, irrelevant, or already understood by the context.
   Preferred in regulations, formal notices, or academic papers where objectivity is important.

Similarly, verbs like blame in English often appear in both active and passive forms depending on context.

2. Require vs Similar Words in English

The verb “require” follows several specific grammar patterns depending on how it functions in the sentence. It is most commonly used in formal language when expressing necessity, rules, or obligations. Below are the key usage forms and notes on how to apply them correctly.

Common Verb Patterns

These structures are common in essays, academic reports, regulations, and business communication.

Active vs. Passive Voice Use

Typical Mistakes and Corrections

Learners also confuse this with verbs like insist in English, which follow similar subjunctive patterns.

II. Using “Require” in English Exams 

In academic English exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge tests, mastering formal vocabulary like “require” can significantly improve your Writing and Speaking scores. The word is especially useful in expressing necessity, obligation, and rules—typical themes found in exam prompts about education, law, or government policy.

IELTS Writing Task 2

Using “require” appropriately in Task 2 essays helps boost your score in the "Lexical Resource" band descriptor by demonstrating academic vocabulary.

• In opinion essays: Governments are required to protect public health through effective policy.
• In problem-solution essays: Many social issues require long-term investments rather than short-term fixes.
• In discussion essays: Some people believe that students should be required to wear uniforms at school.

Tips:

• Use passive voice (e.g., are required to) for a formal and objective tone.
• Use “require that + subject + verb” in more advanced constructions: The regulation requires that companies disclose carbon emissions.

TOEFL Independent & Integrated Writing

In TOEFL, the word “require” is often useful when:

• Paraphrasing ideas from reading/listening sources (Integrated Task)
• Expressing your own position in essays (Independent Task)

Examples:

• The professor argues that the animal’s survival requires specific environmental conditions.
• The passage states that the new process requires less human labor, while the lecture challenges this point.

In both cases, “require” showcases a precise understanding of necessity and can help improve Grammatical Accuracy and Lexical Range. Writers may also use verbs like consider in English to present evaluations or judgments in academic contexts.”

III. Exercises on Require in English with detailed answers

Practicing how to use the verb “require” helps reinforce grammar rules and vocabulary usage in both speaking and writing. Below are multiple types of exercises designed to test your understanding of its meaning, structure, and proper context. Each question includes an answer and brief explanation to guide your learning.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

Complete each sentence with the correct form of “require”.

1. Most universities __________ students to submit an application essay.
2. You are legally __________ to report any changes of address.
3. The workshop __________ a minimum of five participants.
4. The new policy __________ that all staff members wear ID badges.

Exercise 2: Identify the Error

Find and correct the mistake in each sentence.

1. The law require drivers to carry insurance.
2. This process is require too much time.
3. The teacher required that he submits the report.

Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation

Rewrite the given sentences using “require”.

1. You must wear a helmet.
   → _________________________________________________
2. The scholarship needs good academic performance.
   → _________________________________________________

Answers

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IV. Take the First Step Towards IELTS Success

Hopefully, the knowledge about the Require in English that PREP shared in the article above has helped you understand what Require means and the prepositions it is used with. If Band 7+ is your goal, our expert strategies will get you there—check them out :

• IELTS online course: Master Every Section of IELTS!