Necessary or Necessarily: Which is Correct?

‘Necessary’ is an adjective that means something is required or needed.  While ‘necessarily’ is an adverb that means something is inevitable or must happen. 

When you use ‘necessary’ as an adjective, you are describing something that is required or needed. It can be used to describe something that is essential, important, or vital. For example, you might say, “It is necessary to drink water to stay hydrated.” In this case, ‘necessary’ is used to describe the importance of drinking water.

‘Necessary’ can also be used to describe something that is mandatory or required. For instance, you might say, “It is necessary to have a valid passport to travel internationally.” In this case, ‘necessary’ is used to describe the requirement of having a passport.

When you use ‘necessarily’ as an adverb, you are describing something that is inevitable or must happen. It can be used to describe something that is logical, certain, or unavoidable. For example, you might say, “If you don’t study for the test, you will necessarily fail.” In this case, ‘necessarily’ is used to describe the logical consequence of not studying.

‘Necessarily’ can also be used to describe something that is always true or must be the case. For instance, you might say, “If something is a square, it necessarily has four sides.” In this case, ‘necessarily’ is used to describe the inherent property of a square.

Necessary and Necessarily in Different Scenarios

Everyday Use

When it comes to everyday use, both “necessary” and “necessarily” can be used interchangeably, but it depends on the context. For example, if you want to convey that something is required or needed, “necessary” is the word to use. On the other hand, if you want to convey that something is inevitable or must happen, “necessarily” is the word to use.

Consider the following scenarios:

• You need to tie your shoes before you leave the house. It is necessary to tie your shoes to avoid tripping and falling.
• You are at a restaurant and want to order food. It is necessary to place an order to get food.
• You haven’t eaten all day and are feeling hungry. It is necessary to get fed to satisfy your hunger.
• You are thirsty and need water. It is necessary to drink water to stay hydrated.

In each of these scenarios, “necessary” is the appropriate word to use.

Academic Context

In an academic context, the use of “necessary” and “necessarily” can vary depending on the subject and the context.

Consider the following scenarios:

• You need to pass an exam to graduate. It is necessary to study hard to pass the exam.
• You want to travel abroad. It is necessary to have a valid passport to travel.
• You are working on a research paper. It is necessary to have a backup plan in case your primary source of data falls through.
• You are studying medicine. It is necessary to understand the human body and how it functions.

In each of these scenarios, “necessary” is the appropriate word to use.

Professional Setting

In a professional setting, the use of “necessary” and “necessarily” can vary depending on the industry and the context.

Consider the following scenarios:

• You are a surgeon. It is necessary to follow proper procedures to ensure the safety of your patients.
• You are a project manager. It is necessary to have a backup plan in case of delays or setbacks.
• You are a business owner. It is necessary to adapt to changes in the market to stay competitive.
• You are living through a pandemic. It is necessary to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

In each of these scenarios, “necessary” is the appropriate word to use.

More Examples of Using ‘Necessary’ and ‘Necessarily’ 

Here are more examples of using these words in a sentence to help you better understand how to use them:

• It is necessary to wear a helmet while riding a bike to protect your head from injury.
• Good communication is necessary for a healthy relationship to thrive.
• If you want to succeed in your career, it is necessary to work hard and stay focused.

In these examples, ‘necessary’ is used to indicate that something is required or essential for a particular purpose or outcome.

• If it’s raining outside, necessarily the ground is wet.
• Just because someone is rich doesn’t necessarily mean they are happy.
• The fact that she is a good student doesn’t necessarily mean she will succeed in life.

In these examples, ‘necessarily’ is used to show that the conclusion or consequence is not always obvious or guaranteed.

When using these words, it is essential to always understand the context and the intended meaning. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misunderstandings.

Knowing the difference between “necessary” and “necessarily” can help you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion. Make sure to use the correct word based on the context and intended meaning.